Introducing Dedra as our newest IOME counselor!
Our team has had a lot of growth this year and we are very pleased to introduce the newest counselor to the IOME team! We are so grateful that Dedra is here to help us promote self care and support our members! She will be providing support to our members on the evenings and weekends.
To help us get to know her a little better, she has answered a few questions below. Check them out and please reach out to Dedra if you'd like to schedule a few consult!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
- Born and raised in North Carolina
- 5 siblings
- Inspired daily by her husband and their two daughters.
- In my free time I enjoy cooking and exercising
Why did you become a mental health therapist?
I'm passionate about self-discovery, exploration, and healing. As someone who is passionate about wellness, I wish to share hope with others to help them live a more fulfilling life.
Why did you decide to work for IOME?
Emotional resilience is enhanced by self-care. The IOME initiative reimagines and cultivates self-care as a tool for supporting wellbeing in communities.
Why do you believe self care is nonnegotiable?
The importance of taking care of the whole self was instilled in me by my grandmother. From a young age, I was taught the importance of mind and body.
How do you incorporate guilt free self care into your daily routine?
During the course of the day, I examine my habits and choose 2-3 strategies to practice. Deep breathing, exercising, reading/writing a mantra, etc.
Who is your ideal client? Who do you love working with the most?
Clients who seek life satisfaction and are open to tuning into their emotional experience are my ideal clients.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about starting therapy?
Focus on what you hope to accomplish in therapy. Take into consideration all aspects of the therapy, including your background (e.g., cultural influences, family histories, etc.). Nervousness about the first session is normal. It is important to remember that therapists are here to assist you. Keep an eye out for what you need, and ask questions as you go.