Orquídea Elías, a psychologist who turns resistance to change into progress

Reinventing yourself, adapting, and navigating change through psychology

"I am not obligated to stay on a path just because I started it."

Orquídea Elías is a psychologist with an integrated cognitive-behavioral approach that also incorporates tools from contextual therapies. Her clinical work focuses on supporting change: patients who arrive with resistance or difficulty opening up, and who gradually find their own path toward emotional stability.

In this Eholo Voices interview, Orquídea shares how she builds a therapeutic alliance with her patients, where she believes the profession is heading, and how she envisions her practice five years from now.

An approach that combines structure and flexibility

Orquídea’s work is rooted in a cognitive-behavioral foundation, but it doesn't stop there: she incorporates elements of contextual therapies to adapt to each person and their specific moment in life. This combination allows her to provide concrete tools without losing sight of the patient's unique life context.

The biggest challenge… and the best moment

One of the most recurring challenges in her practice is working with patients who show significant resistance to change or difficulty opening up.

"I have overcome this by focusing on building a strong therapeutic alliance, respecting their pace, and using gradual tools."

And the best moment comes when that process bears fruit:

"Seeing significant progress in patients who initially arrived in great distress and, through the process, achieved greater emotional stability and clarity in their decisions."

Accessible and approachable mental health

For Orquídea, Eholo is:

"A space that makes mental health more accessible and approachable for people."

A definition that perfectly summarizes what she seeks in her day-to-day: for technology to lighten the load so she can focus on what really matters—clinical work.

What’s next: technology and prevention

Orquídea sees the future of the profession shaped by two forces working hand in hand:

"The future of psychology will be marked by the integration of technology, alongside a more personalized, preventive approach focused on the individual's overall well-being."

It’s not just about digitizing therapy, but about rethinking the role of the psychologist: less reactive, more preventive.

Envisioning the practice five years from now

Their vision combines the best of both worlds:

"In five years, I envision having a well-established practice that combines in-person and online care with an integrative approach, offering not just individual therapy, but also preventive care and high-value resources."

A practice that goes beyond the weekly session, providing resources that support the individual outside of therapy hours.

Inspiration and influences

📚 A book that changed their perspective — El cortisol no sube solo, sube con el alquiler, by Sarah Belén Olarte. A book that highlights context—wages, housing, opportunities—as a fundamental part of psychological well-being.

🎙 Must-listen podcast — ¿Qué leen los científicos?

💭 If they weren't a psychologist… — "I would be a lawyer."

💬 A quote that shaped their life — "I am not obligated to stay on a path just because I started it."

👑 An unexpected role model — Queen Elizabeth II. "She represents what it means to uphold a role even when it conflicts with the personal, and I would find it very valuable to understand how she managed that level of sacrifice and emotional responsibility."

✨ Professional role model — Rafael Franco, her mentor. "He has significantly influenced my way of understanding clinical practice, especially regarding the importance of judgment, ethics, and the therapeutic bond."

Learn more about Orquídea

🔗 @orquideaelias

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