Daniela Peterson
Founder & Mental Health Therapist
Vista Counseling
Jackson, WY USA
“Always pursue your happiness.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationDaniela Peterson
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I grew up in Chile.
I went to Universidad Bolivariana in Chile to study psychology.
While pursuing my education, I took a year off to work and save money for tuition—during that time, I met my husband, who was working in Chile as a fly fishing guide.
After graduating, I moved with my husband to Idaho and took a cleaning job at a fly fishing lodge—I didn’t think I’d find a job that would utilize my degree because I hadn’t earned it in the U.S.
When I found an opportunity to work for a Head Start program in Jackson, Wyoming, my husband and I decided to move and give it a try.
While working as an interpreter between English-speaking therapists and Spanish-speaking clients, the clinical supervisor learned that I had a psychology degree and decided to help me.
I did an equivalency program and was able to transfer over enough credits for the U.S. equivalent of a master’s degree, which allowed me to apply for my counseling license.
I’ve since founded my own practice, Vista Counseling, where I work as a mental health therapist specializing in domestic violence, substance abuse, and trauma.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Founder & Mental Health Therapist
I provide mental health therapy to clients.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Science
Medicine
Helping People
Day to Day
I get my kids ready, drop them off at school, and go into work. I start by looking over my list of clients for the day. Then I prepare anything I need for that day. My first client will come in, we'll have a session, then I'll work on my progress notes for the client. Then my next client comes in. I see clients all day. I may perform clinical supervision for my staff in between sessions. I work with clients all day every day but each day is different because I perform different types of therapy.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
If you make a choice to study one thing or pursue a career in one field and it doesn't feel right, take a pause and try to visualize yourself doing that work down the road. How do you feel about that visualization? Then try visualizing yourself doing something else. Did it feel right? Listen to your mind. Listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to explore other options and try something new.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I'll never be able to use my degree in my work."
Challenges I Overcame
Family Stress
Financial
Interviewed By
Forever Frontier
Young adults from Wyoming explore the state’s strengths
