Meet Glenda Demas of Pearls of Change in Katy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Glenda Demas.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am currently a proud member of the following national organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Mental Health America, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and American Mental Health Counselors Association. My inspiration and passion for raising awareness over the importance of mental health came from my own personal struggles as a young adult, and my desire to make sure that others knew that mental illness should not be deemed as a stigma.

I have been working in the Helping Profession for a little over 12 years with experience in education and crisis intervention. I found my true passion to be Counseling/Mental Health Awareness from working with children in the education setting, and foster care system. My opportunity to work with children in the foster care setting came from my collaboration with Enlightened Souls as a Mental Health Clinician-Intern. I currently work part-time at Therapeutic Alliance LLC as a Psychotherapist.

My overall goal is to expand my current experience through community outreach, education, and research to help individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds including but not limited to athletes, actresses, actors, models, and musicians. The purpose would be to help others understand that mental illness is not a stigma, and your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road in raising awareness over mental illness has not been easy. There is a major stigma attached to discussing this topic. Many individuals would prefer to struggle in silence instead of seeking the help needed, educating themselves, and embracing any resources that are provided.

Many often feel as though once they have shared their challenges in any setting, that society will view them as “crazy”, different, or inadequate.

In a recent interview, Kevin Love, Power Forward with the Cleveland Cavaliers shared his struggle with an anxiety attack this season during halftime against the Atlanta Hawks. Reading his article shed light on the importance of why we should work harder to raise awareness over mental illness, educate society on the correct way to approach getting a mental health screening, and what steps to take in choosing a psychotherapist.

Please tell us about Pearls of Change, LLC.
In 2013, I founded Pearls of Change LLC. an organization established to advocate for mental health especially among minorities, children, and adolescents. In Fall 2018 we will celebrate the launch of Pearls of Change and make resources and training readily accessible to all.

My efforts have been spent working with children that are in Foster Care between the ages of 4-16. In addition, I hold a contract with KISD as an At-Risk High School Counselor. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional specializing in PTSD, ART Therapy, Conflict Resolution, Crisis Intervention, Behavioral Health, and Anger-Management.

Our mission has been to provide resources, training, and education within the community. In addition, help raise awareness over mental illness, with a major focus on removing the stigma attached.

What I am most proud of, is my ability to share my struggles as a young adult being diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and how I have overcome my challenges with education, self-help, and non-medicating techniques.

What sets my company apart is that it is driven by an individual who understands what it is like to live with a mental illness first-hand, and understand what it takes to obtain personal success.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from my childhood was the time I spent with my grand-mother/grand-father, Joseph and Mildred Demas. The conversations that I had with them about embracing who I was as a young lady, knowing what I aspired to become in life, and keeping GOD first is what stuck with me long after their passing. I can credit who I am today to the unconditional love, support, and spiritual foundation they provided.

Contact Info:

• Address: 7807 Long Point Rd. Ste #215 Houston Tx. 77055
• Website: www.therapeuticallc.com
• Phone: 1-800-419-2568 ext. 104
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: pearlsof_change
• Facebook: www.psychologytoday.com/Demas

Image Credit:
Nancy Kloskin with Nancy Love Photography, Houston Community College, Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals

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