Today we’d like to introduce you to Tania Rojo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey began as a Mexican immigrant with a deep longing to understand myself, connect with others, and live out the mission God placed on my heart. I’ve experienced firsthand the weight of hardship, which has taught me to value education, resilience, unity, and hard work, principles that have guided every step of my path. If I could stand face to face with the younger version of myself, an introverted, fearful, and insecure little girl who often felt lost, I’m not sure she would believe the life I now live. And yet, every part of that journey has shaped who I am today. My family has also been a powerful source of motivation and strength, keeping me grounded and moving forward even when the road felt uncertain.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it’s definitely not been a smooth road. Like many, my journey has been full of bumps, wrong turns, and detours, and to be honest, I’m still learning as I go. I became pregnant at a young age and had to drop out of high school. That moment, though incredibly difficult, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It pushed me beyond my limits because I was now responsible for another life.
I’ve always had a passion for learning. One day, while driving to my waitressing job, I heard a statistic on the radio: mothers who finish high school are more likely to help their children lead better lives. That was the spark I needed. I went back and earned my diploma.
But college brought new obstacles. As an immigrant, I had to pay out-of-state tuition, which I couldn’t afford at the time. I paused again, and during that time, another blessing arrived, my second child. Eventually, my prayers were answered, and I was able to enroll in college. I’ll never forget sitting with an advisor who, seeing the gaps in my education and my responsibilities as a wife and mother, told me it might take 7 to 10 years to finish a bachelor’s degree. What I heard was: “You can’t do it.” My response? “I’ll show her.” And I did. I completed my bachelor’s in just 3.5 years.
I went on to become a teacher, something I never imagined for myself. Teaching in an inner-city school with many non-English-speaking students brought its own challenges, and all the while, I was unknowingly struggling with my mental health. Coming from a Mexican background, anxiety and depression were not often named, let alone addressed. But the strain of relationship struggles and internal turmoil finally led me to seek counseling.
That decision, along with my faith, changed everything. I felt a new calling, but it meant going back to school again, this time to pursue a field I never would have imagined: mental health counseling. By then, I wasn’t just a mother of two; another beautiful blessing had come our way, and I was now a mother of three, pursuing a brand-new career with renewed purpose.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
After facing many personal and professional challenges, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, I completed my master’s degree and became a licensed mental health counselor. I currently operate under Tania Rojo Counseling Services, but as both my practice and I continue to grow, I’m in the process of transitioning to Oriyah Counseling a name and vision that reflect a deeper alignment with my mission: to restore hearts and minds through compassionate care, mental health education, and faith-rooted support.
While I serve clients from all walks of life, both faith-based and non-faith-based, I aim to embody God’s love and compassion in every interaction. I’m also a proud affiliate of Christian Counseling Services, which provides not only credibility but a supportive community of seasoned professionals. Being part of this network reminds me that healing work requires a team, and as a provider, I benefit from the same kind of support I offer my clients.
I work with individuals and couples navigating emotional struggles, trauma, and life transitions. I specialize in trauma recovery and inner healing, and I’m proud to offer sessions in both English and Spanish, making therapy more accessible to diverse communities.
What makes my practice unique isn’t just the bilingual access, but the personal nature of the work. I bring the insight of someone who has walked through her own healing process, and that lived experience, along with my deep love of learning, helps me meet clients with empathy and humility. I also create educational content for social media to promote mental health and wellness beyond the therapy room.
One of the services I’m most proud to offer is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals heal from trauma and emotional distress. I also offer EMDR intensives, which are extended sessions ideal for those seeking deeper or accelerated healing. These can be especially helpful for people in crisis, transition, or with longstanding unresolved trauma.
Looking ahead, I hope to expand Oriyah’s offerings to include consultation for other clinicians and small group workshops focused on healing and growth.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
What has helped me most in finding mentors has been my passion for learning. That passion naturally led me to events and spaces filled with like-minded individuals, where I’ve met some truly amazing people. My advice is to seek out gatherings, workshops, or communities that align with your values and goals, those are often the places where authentic connections happen.
When looking for a mentor, find someone who not only inspires you but also embodies a version of who you could become, someone who brings out a part of you that you didn’t even know was there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taniarojoemdr.com
- Instagram: @oriyah_by_tania
- Other: TikTok: @oriyah_by_tania







Image Credits
Photos by Taveraphotography
