Today we’d like to introduce you to Tariq J. Pettis-Smith.
Hi Tariq J., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has been a path of endurance, driven by personal experiences and a passion for understanding human behavior and mental health relative to my family and community. It all began with the tragic death of my father. He was murdered when I was just two years old. This event left me grappling with intense emotions, particularly anger, throughout my childhood and adolescent years. However, my mother’s wise suggestion to channel my emotions through journaling and engaging in sports provided the initial seeds of resilience and coping mechanisms. Sports like football and track & field became my outlet for managing anger, teaching me discipline, teamwork, dedication, perseverance, and many other characteristics that helped me to navigate my community constructively.
As I navigated through my undergraduate studies on a football scholarship at Western Kentucky University, I initially pursued a degree in human resource personnel management. I felt a pull toward understanding the complexities of human behavior on a deeper level. This led me to switch my major to general psychology, driven by a desire to further comprehend my own behaviors and emotions.
After completing my undergraduate degree, I embarked on a diverse array of experiences within the mental health field. From working at an in-patient care facility to juvenile detention centers, and even as an independent contractor supporting children and their families, each role provided invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of mental health. My involvement in these positions strengthened my commitment and passion for learning more so about how I could assist the families in my community through traumatic experiences. This inspired me to pursue my master’s degree in Community Clinical Psychology and in Counseling.
During my time as a graduate student pursuing a master’s, I immersed myself in various roles, including serving as a graduate assistant and later as a residence hall director and area coordinator at Norfolk State University. Managing an all-male residence hall presented unique challenges and opportunities, inspiring me to develop and implement male initiative programs aimed at supporting the mental and emotional well-being of students. After 8 years of working in student life, I moved back to Memphis in 2019 to further pursue my career in community mental health.
Transitioning into roles within a nonprofit community mental health organization, I honed my skills as a program coordinator for the Clinical High-Risk for Psychosis program and later as a Clinical Program Director focusing on children and adolescents. This experience deepened my understanding of the complexities of mental health care and the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies. Thus, solidifying my commitment to advocating for awareness of mental health stigmas by dispelling the social misconception of the onset and providing support to those in need.
Today, as a pre-licensed therapist, I continue to draw upon my personal journey and professional experiences to guide individuals toward healing and self-discovery. My journey has been a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, self-reflection, resilience, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to promoting mental health and well-being in communities nationwide and internationally.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been far from smooth. Growing up in an urban community like South Memphis and Orange Mound and navigating other communities in the city presented its own set of challenges, including economic hardships, limited access to resources, and pervasive violence. Despite these obstacles, football and track & field became more than just a sport for me; they were sanctuaries—a place where I could channel my energy and emotions positively.
However, managing institutionalized self-doubt was a significant struggle. Coming from a background where opportunities for success were often limited, I grappled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This notion in the pursuit of a career in psychology, let alone becoming an innovative consultant and therapist, made it seem like a fantasy.
Additionally, navigating the educational system as a person of color and; in most settings, the only male from an underserved community presented its own challenges. I often felt the need to work twice as hard to prove myself and overcome stereotypes, biases, and “imposter syndrome”. Balancing the demands of academics, athletics, and personal growth while confronting systemic barriers required resilience and unwavering determination. Overcoming these emotions helped me to strengthen my self-efficacy.
Furthermore, pursuing a career in the mental health field meant confronting stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental illness, particularly within communities of color. Breaking down these barriers and fostering trust and understanding required patience, empathy, and cultural competence.
Despite these struggles, each obstacle served as a catalyst for growth and resilience. Through journaling, sports, and a steadfast commitment to self-discovery, I gradually learned to navigate the complexities of my own emotions and experiences to equip myself and show up in society for my community. Moreover, each experience reinforced my determination to carve out a path that aligned with my purpose and passion for mental health advocacy and community empowerment.
Ultimately, while the road may not have been smooth, it has been transformative. My journey from a community plagued by adversity to a respected professional in the mental health field serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, self-efficacy, and the pursuit of purpose.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In my work as a pre-licensed mental health therapist and innovative consultant for nonprofits, I specialize in counseling people with impulse control, behavioral issues, psychotic disorders, depression, anxiety, systemic family issues, and challenges regulating self-esteem and self-image. My special niche is counseling African American men and women and troubled teens. I have an extensive background in serving underprivileged youth and families from underserved communities. My background includes but is not limited to counseling teens, convicted felons, college students, and individuals with mild and severe mental health illnesses.
My approach to counseling is grounded in solution-focused and reality therapy, supplemented by cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and behavioral interventions tailored to school-age children. Leveraging my own experiences as a former athlete, I possess a natural ability to lead and guide individuals toward their desired goals and outcomes.
What sets me apart is my ability to connect with clients on a personal level, drawing from both professional expertise and lived experiences. I take pride in fostering a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to explore their emotions, confront challenges, and cultivate resilience. My dedication to advocating for marginalized communities and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health is at the core of my practice, and I am deeply committed to helping others achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Navigating the mental health profession and drawing from my personal experiences as a youth and young adult struggling to manage my emotions while living in Memphis, I felt compelled to document my inner journey through poetry. “Therapy Sessions: A Man’s Poem Collection of His Journey While Navigating Environmental Conflicts to Understand Life’s Purpose” is a deeply personal and introspective exploration of the inner thoughts of a man of color experience. This book emerged as a testament to my struggles and triumphs, serving as a beacon for others navigating similar challenges.
Each poem serves as a window into different facets of my journey, capturing moments of struggle, introspection, and growth. From grappling with the impact of environmental factors on mental health to confronting societal expectations and personal demons, these verses offer raw and unfiltered insights into the human condition.
“Therapy Sessions” is not just a collection of poems; it’s a reflection of my evolution as a person. It captures the essence of vulnerability and self-discovery, offering solace and validation to those grappling with their own inner turmoil. As a self-published work, it represents compassion for a culture of men who may struggle to communicate their emotions and thoughts effectively—a creative endeavor born out of a deep-seated desire to connect with others and foster dialogue around mental health and self-expression.
As a self-published work, this collection represents not only a creative outlet for me but also a means of connecting with others who may resonate with similar experiences and emotions. I hope that “Therapy Sessions” serve as a source of comfort, validation, and catalyst for healing and self-reflection—inspiring readers to confront their own experiences and embrace the beauty of their journeys.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/tariq-j-pettis-smith-memphis-tn/816310?preview=1&return_to=https://member.psychologytoday.com/us/home&_ga=2.161230206.21858595.1704728802-1564061252.1704728802&_gl=1*erw639*_ga*MTU2NDA2MTI1Mi4xNzA0NzI4ODAy*_ga_5EMHF6S1M6*MTcwNDcyODgwMi4xLjEuMTcwNDcyODgwOC41NC4wLjA.
- Instagram: dr_tjsmithspeaks
