Meet Meg Kiperts!
Meg is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing who has been working for FGTC for four months! She also holds a position at the Center for Hope and Strength at the Family Justice Center, where she works with adult survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Meg has worked with elementary school students in City Heights through an art and play therapy program called Project IMPACT, with elementary and middle school students and their families through YMCA TIDES and adults, couples, teens, children and families through the YMCA Counseling Services program. Learn more about she helps people in the interview below!
Being candid is one of the best ways to disarm negativity, such as insecurity and anxiety and a great way to allow others to be vulnerable in return. Being candid takes courage.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I'm a San Diego native, Associate MFT, lover of history, art, and trivia. My full first name is Margrieta, which is Latvian, and I finally traveled to Latvia in summer 2018.
What inspired you to work as a therapist?
I've always longed for a career where I can help others and make the world a better place, as cheesy as that sounds. Through reflection and experience, I've determined my mission in life is to comfort and support those who need healing and comfort.
Explain your personal value words and why they are important to you.
Candor, vulnerability, and encouragement are three of my personal value words. I believe that being candid is one of the best ways to disarm negativity, such as insecurity and anxiety and a great way to allow others to be vulnerable in return. Being candid takes courage. The same is true for vulnerability--it is disarming and essential, yet takes effort to do consistently and effectively. Lastly, one of the most important ways for me to connect with people is by encouraging them to follow through with plans and dreams. Encouragement can be transformative.
What is unique about your work with clients?
My work with clients is only unique because of who I am, the experiences I've been through, and the things I have learned. I personally value wisdom, but it is not something easily transferred between people; the receiver has to be in the right place. I genuinely care for my clients and attempt to be the most authentic version of myself so that they may learn to be vulnerable through my example. Of course, this requires that they are comfortable and safe enough with me to do so.
What’s the most challenging and rewarding part of your work?
The most challenging part of my work is holding back from being too directive rather than letting a client learn at their own pace. It's not easy to watch someone struggle and go through painful experiences, so it's natural for me to want to intercede. However, that's not always what's most beneficial. The most rewarding part is helping others better their lives, to see people blossom and learn to use techniques from therapy to heal. I'm also grateful for the opportunity to connect with others I likely would've never met otherwise and for all the wonderful people I meet through this profession.
After a long work week, how do you de-stress or unwind?
I enjoy spending time with my friends and families, watching comedies, reading, taking naps, exercising, writing, and listening to music.
Tell us a funny story about yourself!
In the 1990s, my little sister, our neighbor and I were super into the Spice Girls. So much so we taught ourselves choreography and put on a show for the neighborhood on our lawn. Talk about embarrassing!