We had the good fortune of connecting with Zina Ortiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zina, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
The concept, behind the phrase “Be the Hero of Your Own Story” carries a message that greatly applies to my therapy practice. It resonates with my specialization in addressing trauma and mood disorders. It encourages individuals to seize control of their lives, conquer challenges and chart their paths towards healing and personal growth. Similar to characters in stories who encounter hurdles but discover their strength my clients can also tap into their empowerment and resilience. This message perfectly aligns with my expertise as it has the potential to inspire hope and foster positive transformation as my clients navigate through their healing experiences overcoming symptoms of Complex trauma, PTSD and mood disorders.

The slogan resonates deeply with my path as a Licensed Psychotherapist and the future proprietor of a group practice. Similar to how I guide my clients in understanding and reshaping their stories I help them become the heroes of their personal journeys. This is how I have felt all along in my own journey of healing. One of my “superpowers” is my ability to read body language. Through my harrowing early childhood experiences I had to become hyperaware of the dysfunctional environment I grew up in to survive. I have found this skill to be extremely valuable in my line of work as I have been able to help individuals in healing their scars from childhood. For instance I am keenly aware at identifying signs like shallow breathing, neck tension and subtle facial expressions that indicate a connection, between someone’s narrative and their non declarative memories. In the words of distinguished psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk from his weighty tome “The Body Keeps the Score” there is information embedded in one’s central nervous system. Trauma reshapes the brain and the body rendering an individual to retain frozen episodes of childhood abuse and neglect. These frozen episodes play a role in how a traumatized person views the world as either an environment that is friendly or unsafe. We are naturally wired for survival, however experiences of childhood trauma and neglect heighten one’s perception of a risk filled environment clouding one’s judgement with uncomfortable feelings of anxiety, fear, numbing and intolerable anger. For trauma survivors this results in inability to focus, to form trusting relationships, feeling unworthy or even feel ok within their bodies. For them it is the feeling of total loss of their internal control, often not even aware of the root cause of these body reactions. There are non declarative memories that are expressed through one’s body, without one’s conscious awareness. This is where my superpower becomes my best tool in my toolkit.

My experiences of childhood abuse and neglect have motivated me to embark on a journey of healing in addressing my own symptoms of Complex trauma, or C PTSD and mood disorders. I have personal insights and investment in finding the most effective methods to address these out of control reactions. As a result, my personal experience has empowered me to guide and support clients as they navigate their challenges, helping them become heroes of their own quests. Just as I assist clients in discovering their strength and resilience I serve as an example by embracing this mindset in my life. My commitment to expanding into a group practice showcases my dedication to growth and transformation demonstrating that anyone can take charge of their journey.

The main reason why I become a psychotherapist is because I truly enjoy stories. I enjoy sitting in front of every one of my clients and witnessing their own hero’s journey.

What should our readers know about your business?
It has taken me many decades to get myself to this point. My business is my story. The difficult things we don’t address, that are so obvious and large like the Elephant in the Room, are worthy of being spoken about. I am proud of sharing my story, and my business to those for whom it resonates. I am seasoned enough to expand into a group practice to lead my employees into providing effective treatments and a high quality of service to the community. How did I get here? I’m originally from Mexico, from a small town called La Paz in southern Baja. I left my hometown more than three decades ago escaping from an unhealthy and highly toxic environment. When I arrived into the US I thought I was free, little did I know that was the start of a long and arduous journey of healing as I was initially unaware of the deep scars I had in me. Back then my view of the world was distorted. I was constantly triggered with many reaction. I was basically a collection of reactions. I was not happy, constantly anxious, fearful, very deeply wounded and angry. I ended up escaping from a domestic violent marriage. After this second escape I, again, thought I was freed. Foolish me! I noticed my symptoms were still there, not much had changed. A reenactment of my past story with a solution such as an exit was not enough to solve the effects of my deep wounds. During the time I was completing my graduate degree I experienced the unimaginable, the loss of my oldest daughter, Renee. No amount of pain compares to the loss of one’s child. I wear this scar with pride, her death was not a loss, I learned that the healing of trauma includes grieving. Grieving for those experiences I had and did not have. I have had many escapes, the replaying of my childhood stories keep repeating until I “get it”. I think I “got it” now but I am not certain as my journey continues and I am not giving up. The journey of healing has been arduous but well worth it. I am delighted and feel privileged to be at this point in my profession. This set of skills I have gathered and polished along with my journey of healing experiences. I practiced what I have experienced. This is my hero’s journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I LOVE Denver! It is my home, and that says a lot being an adopted child of the US (my definition of naturalized citizen). I live in the mountains right outside of Denver. If a best friend was to come and visit we would go to Red Rocks, a short drive from my mountain home. Going for daily hikes around the area, and there is no shortage of hiking trails, and connecting with nature, then dinner at one of my favorite spots in Morrison, Cafe Prage, a delicious mix of European/American cuisine experience after climbing the stairs at Red Rocks, then followed by a concert. Back and forth, each a short drive from each other. Early mornings are for coffee, but not just any coffee will do, certainly not the drip kind. I enjoy a frothy, rich, cappuccino with a view of the sunrise from the top of the mountains at Morrison Joe in Morrison. I am a lover of road trips and Colorado is by far one of the best states to witness the 4 seasons, especially during the months of August and September, or any time of year. During these months the mountains get colored with dramatic reds, oranges and yellows from the Aspen. Driving on any mountain road has a surprise around every corner, Not to forget the bold colors and shapes of large boulders and mountains are breathtaking. Along highway 285 there are many stops to appreciate the gorgeous mountain vistas, and again, many hiking trails too. One of my favorite is Bergen Peak Hike near Evergreen, after that hike we would enjoy the afternoon window shopping, and lunching at Beau Thai, the pad thai is to die for. Later driving down towards Evergreen lake for a stroll along the shore or paddling is another way to enjoy my neighborhood that later would end up at the Lakehouse Kitchen and Tavern to watch a sunset and savor the colors accompanied by a well mixed Pineapple Upside Down Tini, and a medium rare, juicy Tenderloin Medallions ends the evening quite well. The servers are friendly and they like to tell stories. An easier hike later in the week would be Meyer Ranch. It is easy, significantly less challenging than Bergen Peak, bringing lunch and stopping by for a meal on the side of the trail to enjoy the wildlife is a great idea. This trail and all other trails are removed from civilization, therefore they are super quiet. I hear birds, and bees, and smell the moist soil from all recent showers. Occasionally I would see deer or elk. Later in the day and driving up Rd 73 towards Marshdale to enjoy a tennis match or pickleball. The sunsets from The Bistro at The Marshdale are stunning, in the good company of a well chilled riesling and a hearty salad. This is one of my favorite spots in my neighborhood.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe much of my success to my clients. Their success is the result of many years of experience, my many healing experiences, trainings, and the practice of psychotherapy is not a static one. There are so many complexities in a person, it is difficult to even describe in words, and I see them as works of art of their own making. The difficult journey of healing, because and to be honest much of it has not not easy, is ongoing. I don’t believe we’re ever “done”. We are a species constantly evolving, moving forward, and it is my hope we are becoming better and better with time. My life’s work, which is my profession, is my contribution and legacy to this world. I dedicate this shoutout to the many unsung heroes.

Website: https://elephantintheroomllc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zinaortiz.lpc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zina-ortiz-89296b3a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zina.ortiz.lpc/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/zina-ortiz-ma-lpc-emdr-denver?osq=zina+ortiz

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zinaortiz/videos

Other: Blog: https://elephantintheroomllc.com/blog

Image Credits
Elephant in the Room LLC and Zina Ortiz copyright

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