Dr. Deondra Smith is a psychologist specializing in clinical psychology. Dr. Smith also teaches undergraduate courses focused on counseling techniques and theories, and provides supplemental trainings to mental health professionals where necessary.
“As a clinical psychologist, I provide both therapeutic interventions and/or psychological testing to children, adolescents, and adults. Much of my work focuses on providing evidenced-based therapeutic approaches and/or psychological testing to children and adolescents that present with presenting problems that include, but not limited to, ADHD, learning difficulties, mood disorders (anxiety, depression, etc.), complex trauma issues, or family conflict. While I see the benefit of traditional talk therapy approaches, I believe that alternative approaches such as play therapy, can also help individuals express their thoughts and feelings in ways that are not as dependent on words.
There are so many profound experiences that had a very prominent impact on me that it's difficult to narrow it down to just one. During my internship/residency year working in an outpatient mental health agency, I met a 15-year old young man (for confidentiality reasons we will call him John) who came into therapy for treatment of depression. John was unaware that what he was actually experiencing was depression. John's mom complained of his increased irritability, significant social isolation, memory concerns, difficulty concentrating, and anhedonia. After months of therapy, John stopped coming to sessions. I wondered if therapy was even helpful or effective. I was left with my wandering thoughts. A year later, I received a call from John's mom. She wanted to have John come back to therapy. John came in. John began to share with me about his re-engagement in sports, his new found career plans, and his friend group. John expressed his gratitude for my help a year ago. In that moment, I wondered, "What did I even do??" John continued to share how he knew a year ago that there were only two people that were "there" for him: his mom and me. In that moment, I realized that John was not thanking me for theoretical orientation, any sliver of advice, or for evidence-based approaches, but he was grateful for my presence - my emotional presence. In that moment, I learned that there was power in the relationship, and it was enough to ignite a sense of self-empowerment in John. This message has stuck with me even today in my work.
If I had the power to implement one change in the healthcare system that would be effective tomorrow, I would require that mental health screenings become as frequent as annual physical exams. Each year insurance providers allow free physical exams for its consumers, but comprehensive mental health screenings are not as accessible. There are brief and vague mental health questions that are asked in a physical exam - not nearly as comprehensive as they should be. There is a belief that something "must be wrong" in order for one to see a mental health professional, but the same message is not the same for physical exams (i.e. nothing has to be wrong with a person to see a medical doctor for an annual physical exam). The contradiction is very loud, and in my ideal world, would change.”
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