It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a board-certified clinical psychologist, author, and international speaker. How did I get where I am today-prayer and patience. I experienced a lot of failures along my path so much the phrase, “Successful failure” encapsulates my journey.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
WOW, first, my mother was a teenage parent and her highest level of completed education was a high school diploma. I was reared by my mother and maternal grandmother. I didn’t realize it until I applied for college that we lived below the national poverty rate. That said, my grandmother and mother were determined to send me to college. Aside from being a teen mother, my mother also suffered from depression which added a considerable amount of stress growing up.
At the age of 12 years old, I was sexually assaulted and separated from my primary support network. Personal challenges continued into early adulthood when my younger brother was incarcerated which left a lasting impact on my family. Matriculating through school was a safe haven. It was a place where I thrived. However, academia would soon come to a screeching halt in 2005, when I failed the first part of my comprehensive exam. Then in 2008 I failed my licensure exam to practice psychology, something I desperately worked towards since the third grade.
Although I was never good at taking standardized tests, the Examination for the Practice of Professional Psychology, (EPPP) licensure exam was another beast, mostly because my livelihood depended on obtaining my license to practice.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I am a board-certified clinical psychologist with a subspecialty in trauma. I am also an active-duty Soldier in the United States Army, where I serve as the director of psychological health. What separates me from other psychologists is my approach to patient care and my professional and personal experience with mental illness that has prepared me to be pragmatic in my approach. Aside from academic knowledge, I am also able to sincerely empathize with my patients.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success?
My best advice is something my beloved grandmother told me when I failed my comprehensive exam during the last year of my doctoral studies. I was so disappointed and wanted to quit. One day as we were walking into the grocery store and tears were streaming down my eyes because I thought I would never achieve my goal, my granny turned to me and asked, “Can you take the test again?’ “I replied, yes, but …” She continued by saying, “As long as you don’t quit you’ll win, You’ll win if you don’t quit.” Her advice has stayed with me ever since and that’s the advice that I pass along to those that may be discouraged or ready to give up on their dream- You Will Win If You Don’t Quit!
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you? Success is being able to do what God created you to do-living in your destiny. Secondly, I am a psychologist that has a unique way of blending experience and academic knowledge that resonates with clients in a way that facilitates healing and personal growth.
What’s next for you?
There are several things on the horizon. First, my husband, Dr. Charles Williams, a clinical psychologist, and I recently launched a new business, Calm Connections. The business is created to teach effective communication skills that will not only benefit couples, but also corporations, employees, and individuals. We firmly believe that strong communication is the foundation for personal and professional success, and we are passionate about helping others develop this crucial skill. We will also be launching a podcast and hosting webinars and seminars in the near future.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
People can contact me in several ways.
– IG: zetadoc97 – FB: mindsetllc – tiktok: @shameccascott1
Email: info@mindsetllc.com
Website: infocalmconnectionsllc.com
