Healing Without Hustle: Latinx Therapist Stephanie Olano on Imposter Syndrome, Financial Trauma & Radical Self-Care
Stephanie Olano, Latinx therapist and founder of TODOS Therapy, shares how her cultural roots, lived experiences, and passion for healing guide her work supporting Latinx and BIPOC clients navigating imposter syndrome, financial trauma, and burnout. Discover how she’s rewriting the rules around success, self-worth, and mental health.
What's a typical day in your life look like?:
My days usually start early, before the noise of the world creeps in. I wake up, make some coffee and spend about 10 minutes journaling — just me, my cafecito, and whatever my heart needs to say that morning. After that, I dive into my day as a therapist, educator, and small business owner. My schedule often includes holding space for clients, collaborating on workshops, mentoring other therapists, and doing back-end work for TODOS Therapy. Sometimes, that involves writing the necessary and dreaded progress note.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?:
Witnessing transformation. There is nothing more sacred than watching someone unlearn shame, reconnect with their inner child, or finally give themselves permission to rest. It's a privilege to hold space for healing and liberation, especially in a world that often tells BIPOC/Latinx folks we need to hustle to be worthy.
How would you say your upbringing and cultural background contributed to your career aspirations?:
Growing up in a Latinx household, emotional expression wasn’t always encouraged — survival was. But my curiosity about our behaviors, traumas, and family dynamics never went away. I saw how much pain lived in silence, and I knew early on that I wanted to change that. My culture shaped me deeply: the resilience, the warmth, the contradictions. TODOS Therapy exists because I wanted to create a space that honors that complexity.
What would you say is a common question or concern you get from your clients/followers?:
“Is it too late to change?”
This question breaks my heart every time. And the answer is: absolutely not. Healing doesn’t have a deadline. Whether you’re 18 or 40+, you are worthy of care, compassion, and community. And you’re allowed to evolve at your own pace.
What would you say has been your biggest obstacle in launching a successful career? How have you overcome it?:
Imposter syndrome and burnout — a terrible duet. As a Latinx therapist, I didn’t see many people who looked or talked like me. I doubted myself constantly. I overcame it by leaning into community, embracing rest, and redefining success on my own terms. I’m not here to prove my worth anymore — I’m here to embody it.
What is the phrase, sentence, or conversation that stopped you in your tracks and changed your outlook in life?:
"You are not hard to love — you were just taught to shrink." This sentence illuminated a truth within me. For years, I had over-performed, people-pleased, and doubted my worth, believing I had to earn love and acceptance. I had internalized societal messages that encouraged me to minimize my needs and desires.
As I began to embrace this insight, I felt a powerful shift. The weight of self-doubt started to lift, allowing me to reclaim my confidence. I realized my authentic self is deserving of love just as I am. Embracing this truth helped me express myself openly and nurture relationships that support my growth.
Although the journey isn’t easy, each day brings new light as I celebrate my true self and learn to shine. I'm redefining love—not just how I seek it from others, but also how I nourish it within myself.
If you had the choice to go back to your past or fast forward to your future, which one would you choose? Why?:
I’d kneel down and say: "You’re not too much. You're just sacred. One day you’re going to help others feel seen — just like you always wanted." And then I would tell her to take a nap.
Hustle culture and burnout is so prominent in our community. How do you prioritize self care?:
I’ve learned to treat rest as resistance. I build breaks into my calendar, unapologetically nap, and say no more often. I also have a “soft joy” list — things that bring me pleasure without productivity. Burnout is real, but joy is the antidote.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?:
Professionally: launching TODOS Therapy and creating culturally-grounded CE courses for other therapists.
Personally: I am learning to listen to my inner child and teen.
Is there a moment when you felt undervalued or worked extra hard to prove your worth? What did that feel like?
Yes — especially early in my career. I code-switched constantly and avoided talking about my culture, spirituality, or social justice work. I thought being “neutral” made me more professional. But neutrality is a privilege I don’t have. Now I embrace all parts of me — the healer, the therapist, the advocate — and invite others to do the same.
Drink ☕
What is Stephanie’s go-to drink?
My go-to is a coffee with oat milk.
Listening To 🎧
What is Stephanie listening to at the moment?
Sleep Token
Your Truth 🗣️
What is a Stephanie’s truth?
I do this work because I didn’t see therapists who looked or talked like me when I needed help the most. I’m building what I wish existed — a space where our stories are sacred, where our healing is holistic, and where our culture is not a barrier but a blessing. I’m inspired by every first-gen, every survivor, every person choosing to break cycles instead of continuing them.
Your Plug 🔌
What is Stephanie plugging today?
I’m currently offering ADHD and Autism assessments for BIPOC, teens, young adults, and late-diagnosed adults — especially those who’ve always felt “too much,” “too sensitive,” or they had to mask to survive. My approach is culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and designed for folks who’ve slipped through the cracks of traditional diagnostic systems.
I’m also offering consulting for master's-level clinicians who want to start doing ADHD and Autism assessments in their own practice. If you’ve been curious about how to integrate this work ethically and accessibly, I’ll walk you through everything from tools to systems to confidence in your clinical voice.
More about Stephanie Olano
Stephanie Olano (she/her) is a prominent Latinx therapist, speaker, and podcaster based in the vibrant Bay Area, CA. As the CEO and founder of TODOS Therapy, her dedication lies in providing culturally sensitive mental health support to BIPOC and Latinx individuals who are grappling with impostor syndrome, authenticity privilege, as well as acculturation struggles encountered by first-generation and third-culture kids. Additionally, Stephanie's passion for financial well-being led her to establish Awkward Money, LLC, where she serves as a compassionate coach and healer, helping clients navigate and heal from financial trauma.