Lori Vasquez has over a decade of experience in nursing. Specializing in mental health, Lori provides compassionate care to individuals of all ages experiencing mental health crises. As a social emotional intelligence speaker, I have made it my life long quest to incorporate the different ways we communicate and learn. ~By Lisa Caprelli

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What is Social Emotional Learning – SEL? My Interview with Lori Vasquez, Board Certified and Licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. In this two-part interview, first we discuss her background and experience and what SEL means for children:

Lori’s personal story is in our 2nd part interview:

TRANSCRIPT BY LISA CAPRELLI of BOTH INTERVIEWS:

Lisa Caprelli: Another person making a difference in this world! Hi, I’m Lisa Caprelli, and today we’re talking to one of my favorite people: my daughter-in-law, Lori Vasquez. Lori, what ages do you get to work with?

Lori Vasquez: I treat patients across a lifespan of all ages, from 0 to 100 years old, doing medication management, psychotherapy, and just helping to promote their overall mental wellness.

Lisa: I invited Lori to talk about SEL, which stands for Social Emotional Learning. So, first of all, Lori, how does early exposure to SEL, emotional learning, impact a child’s long-term emotional and social development?

Early exposure to social-emotional learning is so crucial to a child’s long-term development. I see adult patients who, from not reaching certain developmental milestones early on in life or learning these skills, have personality disorders or other disorders that are a lot harder to treat later in life. The developmental milestones in the early years, such as building empathy and relationships with peers through emotional learning, are really critical for their future development.

Lisa: That’s really powerful to know. Can you give us an example of how SEL is implemented in a therapeutic setting?

Lori: Certainly! In therapy, we might work on communication skills, managing emotions, problem-solving, and building relationships. For example, in a session, I might work with a child on how to express their feelings in a healthy way or with a teenager on how to handle peer pressure. It’s all about equipping them with the skills they need to navigate their world successfully. We also focus on reinforcing positive behaviors and helping them develop a strong sense of self-worth.

Lisa: That’s wonderful. How do you see SEL benefiting adults?

Lor: For adults, SEL can be incredibly beneficial. Many adults come to therapy with struggles that stem from unmet emotional needs or gaps in their social skills from childhood. By working on these areas in therapy, we can help them build healthier relationships, improve their emotional regulation, and achieve greater overall well-being. It’s never too late to benefit from SEL, whether you’re learning these skills for the first time or reinforcing them.

Lisa: Thank you so much, Lori, for sharing your insights on Social Emotional Learning. It’s clear that SEL is essential not just for children, but for people of all ages.

Lori: Thank you for having me, Lisa. It’s a pleasure to talk about something so important.

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Lisa: Now we’re going to dive into your personal background and story. Can you tell us about your childhood, some of the challenges you faced, and how these experiences shaped your passion for helping others in your field?”

Lori: Growing up, I lost my mom when I was just two years old. Although I don’t remember her, the loss had a profound impact on me. My father was in and out of my life, so my paternal grandparents adopted and raised my sister and me. It was a bit complicated because they were my father’s parents, but he wasn’t consistently present. Despite these challenges, I’m grateful that my grandmother was there for me. Sadly, I also lost my grandfather, who had adopted me, when I was four. That was a significant loss, and it’s interesting to reflect on how I processed grief at such a young age.

Fortunately, I had my older sister Megan, who is about four and a half years older than me. She often engaged me in imaginative play, like role-playing with dolls. She helped create stories for each doll, which allowed me to express and process my emotions. My first-grade teacher even encouraged my sister to continue this healthy activity with me. However, there were still struggles. I moved frequently—between my grandmother’s house, my father’s house, my aunt’s, and back to my grandmother’s. There were times when I felt very alone, especially as my sister, being older, had her own life.

These experiences motivated me to strive for something better, which is why I’m passionate about helping others. I started therapy at the young age of four, and it’s made a lasting impact on me. My grandmother ensured I received therapy, which was uncommon at the time. I continued therapy into my teenage years, and it became a positive influence in my life. My therapist helped me not to see myself as a victim but to use my experiences to shape a better future. Even as I faced challenges in my 20s, I returned to therapy, and it’s made a huge difference. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in helping others.

For those hesitant to seek therapy, I encourage you to keep searching until you find a therapist you connect with. It may take time, but once you find the right person, it can be life-changing. It’s important to be ready to participate and share honestly with your therapist. Writing things down can also help clarify your thoughts and guide your sessions. There are many types of therapy available, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps reframe negative thoughts. It’s about changing your perception and managing the mind’s tendency to get overwhelmed by negative emotions.

Regarding scripture, two verses have guided me:

Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength,’ and Philippians 4:6-7, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’

These verses emphasize the importance of faith and gratitude. Whenever I feel alone, I remember that Jesus is always with me, and that gives me strength and peace.

Looking forward, my long-term goal is to have my own private practice where I can help people of all ages, particularly those dealing with anxiety and depression. I’m excited about the future and the opportunity to make a difference.