Joaquín Imperatrice Frias: We are in the calm that precedes the behavioural hurricane

Lic. Joaquín Imperatrice Frias, founder and coordinator of Orquídea Espacio Terapéutico, described the current state of family dynamics in Argentina as “la calma que antecede al huracán conductual.” Speaking during an interview with Perfil, he emphasized the growing need for psychological support amid changing societal norms and technological advancements. His comments reflect both his professional insights and personal reflections on the evolving role of psychology in modern families. Imperatrice began his career in psychology with little formal guidance, navigating multiple fields before finding his niche working with children. At 41 years old, he noted that the perception of psychology has evolved significantly over the past two decades. He described his early experiences as “perfectamente mal diseñados,” acknowledging that while he had a clear desire to connect with others, his initial path was disjointed. It wasn’t until he worked directly with children that he found clarity and purpose. This led him to focus on supporting families through Orquídea, an organization that integrates therapeutic practices with educational and community-based approaches. Orquídea Espacio Terapéutico operates under a model that prioritizes family-centered care. The team offers services including child and adolescent psychology, parental orientation, psychopedagogy, and mindfulness techniques. All interventions are grounded in evidence-based treatments, emphasizing the importance of time and individualized attention. According to Imperatrice, not all individuals require therapy, but those who do benefit from a structured, compassionate approach. The organization’s mission extends beyond clinical work, aiming to foster awareness and understanding within schools and communities. He highlighted the increasing challenges faced by families today, particularly among young children. Over the past year and a half, he observed a shift in parenting styles and societal expectations that he described as unprecedented in his decade-long experience. With the rise of artificial intelligence and digital tools influencing child-rearing, he warned of a potential surge in anxiety and behavioral issues. “Estamos en la calma que antecede al huracán conductual,” he reiterated, suggesting that the coming years will bring heightened demand for psychological support. Imperatrice stressed that Orquídea’s distinctiveness lies in its commitment to daily engagement with children, families, and educators. The team is trained in neuroscience and employs methods proven effective over time. However, he emphasized that their work is driven by a greater purpose, supporting children and fostering healthier family environments. “No lo hacemos por nosotros,” he said, underscoring that the organization’s efforts are rooted in collective well-being rather than personal gain. Reflecting on his journey, Imperatrice acknowledged the intertwined nature of his personal and professional life. He believes that a therapist must undergo their own process of healing and self-awareness. Today, he expresses deep compassion for himself and recognizes the effort he has invested in balancing different aspects of his life. Looking ahead, he aims to develop therapeutic models that better serve real families with real therapists, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness in mental health care. The organization maintains a presence on social media under the handle @orquideapsicoterapia and can be contacted via email at [email protected], phone number 11-2481-1979, or website www.orquidea.com.ar. As society continues to evolve, Orquídea Espacio Terapéutico stands ready to meet the growing demands of families seeking support in an increasingly complex world.