We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. DeAvila Ford. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. DeAvila below.
Dr. DeAvila, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I overcame imposter syndrome by challenging myself to do two things: Learn to fail and learn to fail quickly. Imposter syndrome is rooted in the need to be perfect and the fear of failure. With almost ten years in the mental health field, I know I cannot avoid failure, nor should I want to. I get just as much from losses as I do from my wins. I do not have to be perfect to be successful. The quicker I get something wrong, the quicker I learn from those mistakes.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a Memphis native and a practicing Millennial Mental Health Therapist. I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and my Master of Social Work from the University of Memphis. I obtained my Doctor of Behavioral Health at Freed-Hardeman University.
My research and clinical interests involve connecting mental health and the millennial generation. I hope that individuals who struggle with abandonment, rejection, depression, anxiety, abuse, etc., will work to become more transparent, vulnerable, and heal from their past. I have my own private practice, providing virtual mental health counseling services to Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, and Arkansas residents.
I am the author of two journals: The Therapeutic Journal and The Therapeutic Journal: Toxic Relationships Edition! Both journals contain 30 prompts to aid in healing, processing traumas, and winning in relationships! When I am not providing therapy sessions, I enjoy conducting professional development workshops for organizations such as students of universities, social workers working in the school system, etc. Some of my topics include managing burnout, compassion fatigue, and utilizing your social work license to build multiple streams of income.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most impactful qualities in my journey were being an active listener, gaining self-awareness, and letting go of control. To be an active listener, one must learn to listen more than one speak. You do not know everything, and there are people out there who would love to pour into you if you take the time to close your mouth and open your ears. Secondly, if you are not growing, you are dead. You have to be reflective and identify your shortcomings. It takes vulnerability to be able to point out our flaws. Lastly, understand you can only control a little of anything. The quicker you let go of that unrealistic expectation, the sooner you can pivot through uncomfortable moments. Trust that what is genuinely for you will not pass you by.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I do a personal assessment of myself. I ask myself questions like, “What are you feeling? What is triggering you to feel stressed? Am I setting any unrealistic expectations on myself?” Those answers typically allow me to understand better what is happening to my body.
After that initial assessment, I dig into my “metaphorical” self-care toolbox. Just like a toolbox has multiple tools in it for various projects, so does someone’s self-care toolbox. I might decide to Facetime a friend, go for a walk, cry, take a three-day weekend, etc. My self-care toolkit allows me to pick and choose the best way I need to take care of myself. Having only one coping skill is like having only a hammer, yet you call it a toolbox. The job you are working on might need a screwdriver. That is what coping skills are. What you may need as a self-care practice today may not be what you need two weeks from now. You need multiple options.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://askdeavilasade.com/
- Instagram: askdeavilasade
- Linkedin: Dr. DeAvila Ford, DBH, LCSW
- Twitter: askdeavilasade
- Youtube: Ask DeAvila Sade
Image Credits
Alexis Madden
