Awkward and Proud: Dr Carolina Estevez Of Crestone Wellness On How Embracing Your True Self Can Be Your Social Superpower
An interview with Dr. Bharat Sangani
Embracing your true self starts with understanding who you are. Setting aside time for self-reflection helps you reconnect with your values, interests, and motivations. For instance, I often journal about my day and note the moments that felt fulfilling. This practice has helped me identify what truly matters to me, and it guides my decisions in both my personal and professional life.
In a world that often pressures us to fit in, embracing quirks and authenticity can become a unique advantage. Leaning into what makes you different, even if it feels awkward, can foster genuine connections and unlock personal empowerment. In this series, we we would like to explore how embracing one’s true self can transform social interactions and become a powerful tool for building meaningful relationships. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Carolina Estevez.
Dr. Carolina Estevez, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist at Crestone Wellness, draws on her extensive experience working with diverse mental health populations to advocate for a growth mindset. With a background in psychological assessments and therapy across settings — including inpatient, outpatient, and community mental health — Dr. Estevez believes that viewing challenges as opportunities for growth can reduce stress and build resilience. She emphasizes that reframing setbacks as learning experiences enables individuals to move forward confidently and clearly, fostering personal and professional empowerment.
Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?
Thank you for having me! My journey into psychology began with a deep curiosity about human behavior and the mind. Growing up, I was always drawn to understanding people’s unique experiences and challenges. I pursued my education with this passion, earning my doctorate in psychology and focusing on clinical practice. Over the years, I’ve worked across various settings — from inpatient and outpatient facilities to community mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation — gaining experience with individuals from all walks of life.
My focus on psychological evaluations and therapy grew out of a desire to help people not only understand their mental health but also to empower them to make meaningful changes in their lives. Working with Veterans and individuals facing complex diagnoses, such as PTSD and addiction, has been incredibly rewarding. Today, at Crestone Wellness, I’m fortunate to combine my experience with a commitment to helping people find resilience and healing.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person that you are grateful for, who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and mentorship of a professor and clinician I worked closely with during my early training. She had this remarkable ability to see the strengths in her students, even when we couldn’t see them ourselves. She not only taught me the technical skills of psychology but also emphasized the importance of compassion and authenticity in our work.
One story that stands out was during a particularly challenging rotation in an inpatient facility. I was feeling overwhelmed and questioning my abilities, and she pulled me aside. She reminded me that each patient I was working with had their own struggles, just as I had mine, and that my empathy and commitment were strengths, not weaknesses. Her words stayed with me and helped me build confidence, even in difficult moments. I’m incredibly grateful for her guidance, and I try to bring that same spirit of compassion and encouragement into my own practice with clients today.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
1. Curiosity
Curiosity has been a driving force in my career. As a psychologist, there’s always something new to learn about human behavior, mental health, and effective treatments. Early on, I encountered a case with a unique set of challenges that I hadn’t faced before. Instead of feeling intimidated, I dove into research, sought mentorship, and attended specialized training. This curiosity to explore beyond my comfort zone helped my client and broadened my expertise. Curiosity keeps me engaged and evolving, allowing me to offer my best support to those I serve.
2. Compassion
Compassion has shaped how I connect with clients and colleagues. During a time when a team member was experiencing personal struggles that affected their work, I prioritized understanding and support rather than focusing solely on performance. We discussed ways to make their workload manageable, and I encouraged them to seek help when needed. This approach strengthened our relationship and built trust within our team. Compassion in leadership creates a positive environment that promotes well-being and productivity.
3. Adaptability
In the ever-evolving field of psychology, adaptability is essential. During the pandemic, I quickly pivoted to teletherapy and adjusted to supporting clients remotely. This shift required rethinking approaches, adjusting techniques, and finding new ways to connect without in-person cues. By embracing change and staying flexible, I was able to continue providing high-quality care during a difficult time. Adaptability has allowed me to handle unexpected challenges while staying committed to my clients’ needs.
Ok, fantastic. Let’s now turn to the crux of our interview. Can you recall a moment when embracing your awkwardness led to a meaningful personal or professional breakthrough? What shifted for you in that experience?
Yes, I can recall a defining moment when I realized that what I saw as my awkwardness was an asset. Early in my career, I habitually became overly empathetic in sessions, sometimes becoming sad or even feeling myself getting anxious when clients shared particularly moving stories. I used to feel embarrassed, worrying it might come off as unprofessional or make clients uncomfortable. But one day, a client noticed and thanked me for being so present and genuine. She shared that it made her feel indeed seen and understood.
That experience shifted my perspective entirely. I realized that my empathy — something I once felt self-conscious about — was a strength, allowing me to connect with people on a deeply human level. Since then, I’ve embraced my natural empathy, letting it guide my work and allowing clients to feel safe and supported. Accepting this part of myself has been invaluable for my personal growth and my ability to help others.
Many people feel pressure to ‘fit in’ socially. What advice do you have for someone struggling to be their authentic self in a world that often rewards conformity?
My advice is to remember that authenticity is a strength, even if it doesn’t always feel that way in a world that values conformity. It’s natural to feel pressure to fit in, but when we try too hard to conform, we often lose touch with the unique qualities that make us who we are. Embracing your authentic self doesn’t mean disregarding others’ expectations entirely; it means honoring your values, interests, and quirks, even if they don’t align with the norm.
One helpful approach is to start small — maybe share an opinion you care about or express a personal interest you’ve kept hidden. You’ll often find that authenticity attracts others who appreciate you for who you are. It’s also important to practice self-compassion, especially if it initially feels uncomfortable. Over time, you’ll build self-confidence, and your connections will feel more genuine and fulfilling. Remember, the world benefits most when we bring our unique selves to it.
How do you think embracing your quirks and imperfections can enhance connections with others, especially in professional or high-pressure settings?
Embracing our quirks and imperfections is a powerful way to build stronger, more authentic connections, even in professional or high-pressure environments. When we show up as our true selves — imperfections and all — we create an atmosphere of openness and trust. People feel more comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities, leading to more honest communication and collaboration.
In my experience, acknowledging my quirks, like my tendency to over-prepare or ask many questions, has often encouraged others to feel safe expressing their thoughts and uncertainties. This creates a culture where people aren’t afraid to ask for help, share ideas, or admit when they don’t know something. In high-pressure settings, that sense of openness can relieve stress and build a supportive and resilient team. Ultimately, embracing who we are and our imperfections reminds others that they can do the same, making more profound, more genuine connections.
What role does vulnerability play in transforming awkwardness into a superpower? Can you share a time when showing vulnerability opened doors or strengthened relationships?
Vulnerability is critical to transforming awkwardness into a superpower because it allows us to embrace rather than hide our imperfections. When willing to show vulnerability, we invite others to connect with us on a deeper, more authentic level. I remember feeling nervous about sharing my struggles with a challenging experience during a team discussion. Instead of masking my feelings, I chose to be open and admit that I felt uncertain and overwhelmed. To my surprise, my honesty led others to open up about their challenges, creating a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
That experience taught me that showing vulnerability isn’t a weakness — it’s a strength that can build trust and foster real connections. By embracing my discomfort, I created a space where others felt comfortable doing the same. In a professional setting, this strengthened our relationships and improved our teamwork and resilience as a group.
What are “5 Ways To Embrace Your True Self”?
1. Practice Self-Reflection
Embracing your true self starts with understanding who you are. Setting aside time for self-reflection helps you reconnect with your values, interests, and motivations. For instance, I often journal about my day and note the moments that felt fulfilling. This practice has helped me identify what truly matters to me, and it guides my decisions in both my personal and professional life.
2. Accept Your Imperfections
No one is perfect, and learning to accept imperfections is essential to embracing your true self. Early in my career, I used to feel self-conscious about showing emotion in therapy sessions, worrying it might seem unprofessional. But when I embraced that part of myself, I realized it deepened my connections with clients, allowing them to feel seen and understood.
3. Set Boundaries That Reflect Your Values
Setting boundaries is a way to honor your needs and stay true to your values. For example, I’ve learned to protect my time outside of work to recharge and stay balanced. This helps me show up as my best self and reinforces my commitment to self-care, which I also encourage in my clients.
4. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
A community that encourages you to be yourself can make a difference. I remember a mentor who saw my potential even when I was uncertain. Her support helped me step out of my comfort zone and develop confidence. Find people who lift you and appreciate you for who you are — they’ll remind you of your worth.
5. Embrace Vulnerability
Being vulnerable allows you to connect more deeply with others. I once shared a personal struggle with a colleague, and instead of feeling judged, it opened the door to a more honest relationship. Embracing vulnerability has taught me that I attract more meaningful and supportive connections when I’m true to myself.
Do you believe that celebrating awkwardness can inspire innovation and creativity? How has staying true to yourself influenced your approach to problem-solving or leadership?
Celebrating awkwardness can be a powerful driver of innovation and creativity. When we embrace our quirks and unique perspectives, we think beyond conventional solutions and approach challenges in original ways. Staying true to myself has often meant leaning into my curiosity, even if it feels unconventional or awkward. Instead of shying away from questions or ideas that might seem outside the norm, I let my curiosity guide me, which often leads to fresh insights.
One example that stands out is when I began incorporating unconventional therapeutic techniques, like mindfulness exercises, into my sessions. At first, introducing these practices to unfamiliar clients felt awkward, but I knew they could be beneficial. By staying true to my belief in the value of these techniques, I brought a new dimension to my work, which has proven valuable in helping clients manage stress and gain more profound self-awareness. Embracing my approach to problem-solving has helped me innovate within my practice and connect with clients more meaningfully.
How can our readers further follow your work?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my insights! For those interested in following my work, you can connect with me at:
LinkedIn: Carolina Estevez, Psy.D.
About Me: Crestone Wellness — Dr. Carolina Estevez, Psy.D.
Company Website: Crestone Wellness
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Awkward and Proud: Dr Carolina Estevez Of Crestone Wellness On How Embracing Your True Self Can Be… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.