Patricia Timermsn

I would say my grandfather, Grandpa Charles, has been incredibly influential in my life. Growing up in a Jewish Brazilian community, he always taught that if you have, you give. He came from Hungary, came from the war, came from having nothing, and was able to grow such an amazing family. When he passed, we learned that he helped so many people that we just didn't know about. That instinct has always kind of been there in me, and to be able to tap into a profession that allows me to help and be a space where people feel safe and I'm able to help in some way is so fulfilling. I think that's what inspired me in some way - his example of giving back and helping others.

Actually, it's a recent one. I was with a friend of mine who is a badass, an amazing individual, and she recently told me something that really stood out: As a business owner, I am often thinking more about my employees and what is best for them, and sometimes I forget about me. She said it's important for you to make the decisions that are good for you, not just for others. That one has really stood out for me.

The value of advocacy is incredibly important to me. When I moved to the United States not speaking English, I felt very silent, like my voice was taken away from me because I didn't know how to communicate, and I really disliked that. I found that politics was a way to help people and give them their voices, and in psychotherapy, I can actually advocate for and with clients and help them find their voices. That's why the name of my firm is Advocate to Create - you advocate with and for yourself to create change. I also value giving back and helping others. My grandfather always thought that if you have, you give, and that instinct has always been there. Being able to tap into a profession that allows me to help and be a space where people feel safe is so fulfilling. I love that there's a platform for women and our accomplishments, and being an example for the other generations to come. I don't tend to look at the benefit I get as much as just the general good - like with my book, I want people to have access to the IEP communication strategy because it's such an easy strategy to help with communication. Why not? Everybody should have it.