About Edgar Dario Rondon

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My Story

I was born in Colombia and came to the U.S. as a kid. My family carried a lot of struggles with addiction and mental health, and those experiences shaped much of my early life. Growing up in a strict Catholic community gave me a sense of belonging, but it also brought deep conflict when I realized I was gay. When I finally came out at 15, everything in my world shifted. The pain of rejection and the weight of religious trauma left lasting marks, and learning to heal from those wounds has been an ongoing journey.

At the same time, those challenges became the foundation for my resilience and the compassion I bring to therapy. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, to question your worth, and to wrestle with identity and belonging. And I also know the power of finding your voice, rewriting your story, and creating a life that feels true to who you are.

That’s why I became a therapist. I want to walk alongside people—especially LGBTQIA+ folks—who are ready to do the work of healing and growth. In our sessions, I use CBT, narrative therapy, and mindfulness to help clients manage symptoms, shift unhelpful patterns, and move toward a life that feels more whole. Above all, I focus on building trust and genuine connection, because real healing starts there.

Outside of therapy, I love being out on the hiking trails of Northern California, painting in bold acrylics, and getting lost in music—from Billie Holiday’s soulful voice to Billie Eilish’s fresh sound. These things help me stay grounded and remind me that life, even with its struggles, can be full of beauty and meaning.

My Education & Experience

I like to say I’m a late bloomer when it comes to getting a formal education. At 29, I went back to school and earned my bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Florida International University in Miami. Growing up in a family of painters and musicians, creativity was in my blood, and I’ve always been drawn to the arts. Painting has been a lifelong passion of mine—I still create today—and I love the meditative, self-soothing rhythm of the creative process. For many years, I exhibited and sold my work, while spending countless hours wandering art galleries and museums, soaking in inspiration.

Eventually, I felt called in a different direction—one where I could channel that same sense of creativity and presence into helping people heal. At 50, I returned to school and earned my master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Barry University in Miami. Soon after, I began my journey toward becoming the best therapist I could be. In 2021, I became a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California, and I’ve been deeply fulfilled in this work ever since.

Coming into the mental health field later in life has given me a unique perspective. My own life experience has shaped the way I connect with people—with empathy, gratitude, clarity, hope, and wisdom that feel richer than they might have if I had started earlier. I’m not jaded, I’m not burned out—I feel energized and grateful every day that I get to help others grow, heal, and thrive.

If there’s one takeaway from my story, it’s this: it’s never too late to follow your calling—and never too late to put yourself in a position to help others along their journey.

Reach out to me today!

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