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

Hi Quique, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote is from psychiatrist C.G. Jung. He once wrote, “I am not what has happened to me. I am who I choose to become.” I have this quote hanging in my office. It guides my therapy with men. This quote is important to me for two reasons. First, it reminds us that while our past is important, it does not determine who we are. While our past may influence the present, it does not prevent us from having a bright future. The second reason I love this quote is because it inspires us with hope. It reminds us that we are in control of our own destiny. We have the power to recreate ourselves!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). In my field, there are few males. I am unique in that I specialize in working with neurodiverse males. Neurodiversity describes the reality that people experience the world in different ways. There is no one “right” way to think, learn or behave. Neurological differences are deviations not deficits. I am most proud of the strong relationships that I have built with my clients over the years. I have many positive Google reviews. These reflect the care and commitment I express in my therapeutic work with boys and men.

It was not easy transitioning into this career in my early thirties. I had to complete a second Master’s degree while balancing a family and a full-time job. I was able to overcome challenges by remembering that the obstacle is the way. In other words, road blocks become the path forward if you can adopt the right perspective. You can see an upset as a failure or an opportunity. I’ve chosen to see all the obstacles as opportunities to grow.

My brand is a reflection of my authentic self. This means that I do counseling out of my own experience of struggle and personal therapy. Clients report that I am easy to talk to and feel that my approach is both in-depth and practical.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to Common Bond Cafe and Bakery for breakfast. I would encourage them to order their drip coffee and their Kouign-amann pastry. It is one of the best things ever! After breakfast, we would take a nice, long walk at the Houston Arboretum. I love exercise and quality time in nature. For lunch, we would go to the Rice Box. I don’t know if there’s anything better than their Sesame Chicken. After lunch, we would have to go to the Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Sharing a cold beer with a friend while having a meaningful conversation is one of my favorite things to do. After a few beers, we would go to a local bookstore. I love reading and collecting books for my library. For dinner, we would have to go to Juliet’s. I love supporting black-owned restaurants. The food and cocktails are amazing!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to acknowledge two people. First, I have to give credit to my beautiful and talented wife. She is my biggest fan and best friend. She encourages me when I’m down, challenges me when I’m wrong and always reminds me how much she believes in me. Having a supportive wife that is proud of me is the fuel that keeps me happy and successful. The second person is the owner of the therapy practice I work at. He has seen talent and potential in me that I have not always been confident enough to express. Through his mentorship, I have flourished as a person and grown a thriving private practice.

Website: quiqueautrey.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quiqueautrey/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quique-autrey-09612527/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AutreyQuique

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qautrey/

Other: quiqueautrey.com/podcast

Image Credits
Angi Lewis Photography

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