Today we’d like to introduce you to Xiomara Sosa
Hi Xiomara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi! I’m Clinical Mental Health Counselor Xiomara A. Sosa
Pronouns: she/her
I’m passionate about empowering diverse women who are struggling with challenges to heal and achieve well-being.
In particular, I have a special place in my heart for diverse women navigating the intersection of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, culture, heritage and who identify as other.
How my passion developed
Having grown up in New York City with immigrant parents, I developed a natural ease with and embraced diversity that included different cultural and ethnic norms.
The experiences my friends outside of New York City described to me didn’t seem to match the way I experienced and viewed the world and I understood and embraced differences in all people.
As a result, I went through a process of asking questions about why people outside of New York City were not as open-minded or culturally aware and embracing as I was. I found purpose, joy, and meaning in figuring out how to bridge that gap. I often was the one questioning the behaviors and belief systems I saw in others in terms of biases and using education and awareness as a great way to change minds and hearts.
I am the owner of XAS Consulting, LLC, a company I created in 2003 dedicated to healing and well-being. I am also the founder and Executive Director of my nonprofit organization, The X-Studio: A Mental Health Cooperative which provides an alternative business practice model for private practice clinicians. In addition, I am the founder, owner, CEO, and clinical director of my private practice, Summerville Women’s Mental Health Services, which provides multicultural counseling, therapy, and clinical supervision services for all women: cisgender, transgender, intersex, non-binary, and woman/feminine identified. I am the creator, host, and executive producer of Studio Talk Podcast: Real Conversations About Mental Health, a podcast about mental health.
I aim to improve my clients’ healing and well-being so that they can achieve good mental health. I work with adults 18 years old and over. I work with multicultural issues in all ethnic and racial communities and am especially culturally competent to work with the Latina, LGBTQIA2S+, and veteran women communities. Most of my services are provided in either English or Spanish. My goal is to promote and improve mental health services that represent my dedication to social change in my communities. As a 9/11 survivor, and an Air Force and Army veteran, I am dedicated to helping all survivors on their journey to trauma recovery.
As a social scientist, I explore global cultures and educate people about diversity issues. As a social entrepreneur, I address pressing multicultural issues worldwide. As a social change advocate, I raise awareness about the social welfare of all people. I can be contacted via this link https://www.counselorxiomaraasosa.com/contact or text/call me at (843) 695-9974.
My counseling specialty is mental health. I am a highly skilled professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) who provides flexible, consumer-oriented counseling/therapy. As a CMHC, I have a foundational skill set that is distinct from those of other behavioral health disciplines. I address and treat mental and emotional disorders and promote mental health. I combine traditional psychotherapy with a practical, problem-solving approach that creates a dynamic and efficient path for change and problem resolution. Although I work from a wellness model, I can diagnose emotional and psychiatric disorders and guide clients in the process of living with such disorders. My training in addressing the needs of the whole person and in wellness and prevention qualifies me in integrating health care.
I practice a progressive, innovative path to mental health with an evidence-based integrative theoretical orientation. I strive to help my clients achieve lasting change through a culturally competent, balanced, flexible, modern, and open-minded approach. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques used to address many issues and I help with mental and emotional health issues as well as relationship problems. In addition, I am involved in community outreach, advocacy, and mediation activities. I work closely with other mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and school counselors.
My credentials include an accredited Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Counseling with a specialization in Forensic Counseling from Walden University, accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), a Licensed Professional Counselor with the South Carolina Board of Professional Counselors, and a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor/Candidate in South Carolina.
As a military veteran who served in the United States Air Force (USAF) and the United States Army, I attended The University Community College of the Air Force, am a graduate of the USAF Military Training Center, the USAF Technical Training Center, and the United States Army Training Center.
I am a member of the South Carolina Clinical Mental Health Counselors Association (SCCMHCA) and serve on their Diversity Committee. I am also a member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association. My current professional memberships include Psychology Today and my past memberships include Star Behavioral Health Providers and The Veteran Owned Business.
I was appointed and served as a Special Government Employee of the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, I was a member of the Charleston SC Tri-County Counseling Association and a leader in the American Counseling Association’s Veterans Interest Network. I also provided disaster mental health services to the American Red Cross for disaster and humanitarian relief efforts and I served on the Sesame Street for Military Families Racial Justice Advisory Committee.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, not always. Surprisingly enough, in my case, it’s mostly other women in my work who have presented me with the friction and barriers as opposed to the men. I know that is not the usual story, so I feel lucky and privileged in that sense. However, it’s been a challenge and disappointment for many of the women I have come across in leadership positions. In the end, I worked through those surprising ups and downs and managed to find my way to where I am today. Now I am grateful to surround myself with positive and healthy women both in my personal and my professional life. Women who inspire me and who are not threatened or petty. I learn a lot from them and can grow in a positive direction. I eliminate the individuals in my life as much as I can who are toxic to my well-being, growth, and accomplishments. I am very good at holding very strong but healthy boundaries in my professional and in my personal life.
As you know, we’re big fans of Summerville Women’s Mental Health Services. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Summerville Women’s Mental Health Services is a women’s mental health center. We provide counseling, therapy, and clinical supervision in South Carolina. We provide multicultural, inclusive, and culturally competent mental health services for all women: cisgender, transgender, intersex, non-binary, and woman/feminine identified. We welcome and serve all ethnic, cultural, and racial communities. We help clients heal from anxiety, depression, dysphoria, and trauma/stressors, teaching them coping skills, self-esteem, and healthy thinking to promote their healing and improve their well-being. We specialize in integrative mental health (IMH), a holistic approach to treating mental health that combines conventional and non-conventional therapies. We are uniquely qualified and culturally sensitive to work with the veteran community, the Latino/Hispanic/LatinX community, and the LGBTQIA2S+ community. We are bilingual (English/Spanish), military veteran, and LGBTQIA2S+ with lived experience. We serve all of South Carolina with both in-office and telehealth appointments.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am an integrative mental health (IMH) clinician focusing on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. I combine conventional and non-conventional therapies to treat mental health issues and aim to address the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to mental health. This approach includes mental health, physical health, emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, and spiritual needs. I help clients identify patterns in their lives that may contribute to their struggles and work on developing strategies for making healthier choices.
Summerville Women’s Mental Health Services is a unique mental health center near historic downtown Summerville and Charleston, SC. We tailor our services to the unique needs of each client. We are compassionate, affirming, and dedicated to hearing your unique story. We support your specific journey and goals.
Counseling and therapy for women veterans.
We provide in-office and virtual/telehealth counseling/therapy for women veterans in South Carolina (SC).
SWMHS is a SonderMind Mental Health Care Provider.
SonderMind is a trusted Community Care partner with the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Community Care Network (CCN) to help Veterans get the care they need when needed. Veteran mental health support, founded and led by a Veteran. Your home for mental health support, specialized for the Veteran community.
Veterans can get a VA referral for counseling/therapy to schedule an appointment with us https://www.sondermind.com/therapy-for-veterans/
If you do not want to go through the VA, we can provide you with confidential private client services. SWMHS is owned and operated by a woman veteran mental health professional who can serve you outside of the VA system. Reach out to us directly by calling or texting us at (843) 695-9974 and we will work with you privately.
I have been serving my community in the health and human services field in a variety of ways for 20+ years. As an award-winning nonprofit executive, I founded two social change nonprofit organizations, The Get-Right! Organization, Inc. (Get-Right!) In 2010, and You Are Strong! Center on Veterans Health and Human Services Organizations, Inc. (You Are Strong!) in 2011, to effect positive social change through innovative and purposeful advocacy initiatives that serve all communities. Get-Right!’s mission is to educate families, teach children, and support communities about mental health and physical health. Get-Right! was administratively dissolved on September 23, 2016, however, its mission has been folded into XAS. You Are Strong!’s mission to combat stigma and provide health and human services information to veterans and their families was also dissolved and folded into XAS.
Through Get-Right! I was the Executive Creator of the following advocacy networks, which have been disbanded and folded into my XAS projects:
National Hispanic Mental Health Professionals Advocacy Network
National Latina Integrative Health Advocacy Network
National Modern Family Wellness Advocacy Network
National Sexual and Gender (LBTIA+) Minority Mental Health Professionals Network
Proyecto Evolve! Latina Girls Collective Action Network
Through You Are Strong! I was the Executive Sponsor of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Alliance whose mission was to achieve the Congressional Gold Medal for the historic Puerto Rican American 65th Infantry Regiment and served on their Steering Committee. In addition, I was the Executive Creator of the following advocacy networks, which have also been disbanded and folded into my XAS projects:
Coalition of Female Veteran Leaders
National Hispanic Veterans Advocacy Network
Operation She is Strong! Women Veterans Mental Health and Human Services Network
Sexual and Gender (LGBTQQIA) Minority Veterans Advocacy Network
In 2014, I received the El Diario “Mujeres Destacadas” award in health from La Prensa Newspaper, a premier event and editorial series celebrating native New York Latinas. In 2013, WEGO Health nominated me for The Trailblazer Award for their Health Activist Awards and The Mobilizer Award by the Social Revolucion at SXSW. In 2011 and 2012, L’Oreal Paris nominated me for The Woman of Worth Award. CATALINA Magazine awarded me the 2010 Deloitte Groundbreaking Latina Leader of the Year award for my work that consistently promotes a positive image of Hispanics and their culture, and to promote my accomplishments as one of the nation’s leading Latinas. I was also awarded the Northern Virginia Family Service Special Foster Care Certificate of Approval and Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of my valuable contributions as a Therapeutic Foster Parent. I am a recipient of the Campaign Air Force Training Ribbon, the Campaign Army Service Ribbon, the Army Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service, and the Department of the Army Certificate of Achievement for Meritorious Service.
I was featured as a leader on the Fabulosamentelatina.com Success channel and as a Personal Consultant on their advice channel. I was also featured on the AOL Latino Icons channel as a Latina Leader and on Latinas Inspire as an Inspirational Latina. I was named Latina de la Semana by El Tiempo Latino and was featured in the Latinas Today section of Latina Style Magazine. My reputation has attracted media commentary by such outlets as the Sun-Sentinel, Catalina Magazine, and Careerjournal.com/The Wall Street Journal Executive Career Site. I have been sought after to review books written by Hispanic authors such as Profound CrossRoads by Anthony Ramos and Good Night Captain Mama: Buenas Noches Capitán Mamá by Graciela Tiscareno-Sato. For more press information, click here Media.
I have decades of experience in the nonprofit and health and human services sector where I developed my expertise in the helping field. I developed my skills and knowledge in creating and implementing programs in communities that target social welfare work. My passion for humanitarian and human rights issues began as a child born and raised in New York City and grew through my volunteerism and altruism.
I left New York and served a military tour of duty with the Air Force Reserve, United States Army, and United States Army Reserve. I was selected to serve in a prestigious position at The Pentagon in Washington, DC where I worked directly for the Brigadier General at the United States Army Research Institute for Behavioral and Social Sciences, Headquarters, Department of the Army, Personnel Programs Analysis Office, and Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. Through that experience, I polished my skills in how advocacy interconnects with humanitarian efforts.
My growing passion for humanitarianism landed me a position at the Academy for Education Development (AED), a nonprofit organization working globally to improve education, health, civil society, and economic development, the foundation of thriving societies. At AED, I worked in the Center for Youth Development and Policy Research supporting the Director in their mission to create and strengthen the infrastructure that supports the positive development of all youth.
At the National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Services Organizations (COSSMHO) I worked closely with the President and CEO and the Vice President of Policy and Research on a wide range of advocacy issues related to health and human services with Congress, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), the Department of Health and Human Services, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health. I also supported organizational initiatives with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and other philanthropic foundations on behalf of COSSMHO. I served as COSSMHO’s liaison with other national nonprofit organizations on outreach efforts and for The National Hispanic Health Network, a 30 Community-Based Organization HandsNet electronic communications system. I also worked tirelessly to promote the President’s book on Latina health, The Latina Guide to Health, a consumer’s health guide for overall health and wellness for Latinas.
My evolution in social change advocacy progressed as I moved on to MANA, A National Latina Organization where I worked with members and chapter leaders on empowering Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy.
Following that, I managed a $980,000 budget at NLGJA, an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators, and students working from within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues and to advance their mission in opposing all forms of workplace bias and providing professional development to its members. There I developed the National and Regional Leadership Development Institutes designed to meet training needs in fiscal management and program development and implementation for NLGJA’s leadership. This series of training ultimately led to the development of goals outlined in NLGJA’s Strategic Plan. I was instrumental in acquiring the $100,000 grant from the Ford Foundation to fund this initiative.
I then managed close to a million-dollar Department of Labor grant at the National Student Partnerships, an organization whose mission is to combat poverty and expand opportunities for all people in the United States.
I then served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Society for Hispanic Professionals (NSHP) where I strengthened NSHP’s infrastructure and solidified NSHP as a viable and noteworthy presence in the Hispanic professional community that includes over 20,000+ members.
I was the Client Services Coordinator/Bilingual Case Manager/Intern Therapist at My Sister’s House, Inc. (MSH). I coordinated client services, provided case management, and individual counseling, and facilitated counseling groups at MSH, a shelter-based program serving domestic violence victims and their children. I provided referral services, intake, crisis intervention, and advocacy, and developed a support services program for MSH. I also provided linkage with community services and coordinated financial assistance services through the Department of Social Services. In addition, I developed support services programs that included life skills training, employment assistance, job skills training partnerships and needs assessments. I also provided victim advocacy services with the judicial and law enforcement systems, which included court accompaniment, participated in and conducted speaking engagements, health fairs, workshops, etc., and was lead with community resources listing.
I was a Family Support Specialist and Intern Therapist for the Family Strengthening Services program at Carolina Youth Development Center, Inc. (CYDC). I provided home and community-based services to families at risk of child maltreatment. I provided assessment, service planning, short-term counseling, intervention, and development of a family’s resources. Based on family needs, I monitored the family’s progress, conducted home visitations, and provided parent education and community referrals. In addition, I provided child development support, and case management, conducted parenting interventions, and assisted with family support services.
I was a Bilingual Medical Case Manager for the Emerging Communities program at Lowcountry AIDS Services, Inc. (LAS). I facilitated support groups and provided bilingual case management services, advocacy, nutrition education, and prevention and education services to the Hispanic, veteran, and sexual and gender minority (LBTIA+) communities about HIV/AIDS. I provided a client-centered service that linked my clients with medical care, psychosocial, and other needed services, such as housing, nutrition, dental care, legal services, support groups, and transportation. I conducted Initial Intakes and Reassessments used to assess the client’s needs, and level of care, created Service Plans, and reviewed ongoing progress. I educated clients about HIV/AIDS, informed them about resources, and listened to and supported clients through an ongoing relationship.
I served as the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) Southern Regional Liaison of the Graduate Student Committee, AMHCA’s Public Awareness, Advocacy, and Marketing Committee, and on the board of the AMHCA NC chapter-LPCANC. I served on the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association Military Service Committee, their LBTIA+ Affirmative Counseling, and Social Justice Committee.
Past Community and Leadership Service:
I was a member of ACA’s Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina chapters. I served as President-Elect of the Florida chapter’s (FCA) Florida Association for Marriage and Family Counseling (FAMFC); was a member at large of FCA’s Florida Association of Multicultural Counselors Division (FAMCD), and ACA’s LBTIA+ Affirmative Counseling and Social Justice Committee. I was also a member of ACA’s Counselors for Social Justice Division and the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors. I was also a member of the National Coalition for LBTIA+ Health. I was a contributing author for New Latina. I served as a member of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s National Youth Media Campaign’s Partnership Development Expert Panel. I also served on the Senate Republican Conference Task Force on Hispanic Affairs Advisory Committee. I was a participant in the Department’s Outreach Planning Group. I was appointed to serve on the Arlington, VA Multicultural Advisory Commission, was a member of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation’s Latino Survey Planning Group, served on the Arthritis Foundation’s Speaking of Pain Advisory Council and Diversity 2000 Committee, and was a member of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Inc. I also served on the HandsNet Editorial Board, and the Newspaper Association of America’s Diversity Committee, and was a member of the Center for Media Education’s Children Media Policy Network. I also served on the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Committee of the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade. I served as the Mental Health Officer on the Semper Fidelis Health and Wellness Advisory Board and volunteered for the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program.
I also served on the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League’s (SMYAL) Board of Directors, served as a SMYAL Youth Group Facilitator, and was an appointed member of the Whitman-Walker Clinic’s Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services Board of Directors on behalf of SMYAL. I also served on the Bridge Builders Fund Board of Directors and the Gente Latina de Ambiente Board of Directors. I was a Cultural Competency Trainer for the Mautner Project for Women with Cancer, and a member of the Potomac Executive Network, and the Women’s Health and Wellness Network. Other prior professional affiliations include membership in the Alliance for Nonprofit Management, the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives, the American Society of Association Executives, and the Florida Society of Association Executives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swmhs.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorxiomaraasosa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SummervilleWomensMentalHealthStudio/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiomaraasosa/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thexpodcastmentalhealth
