MSP reaches out periodically to alumni to discover more about the work that fulfills their passion for clinical psychology. Life After MSP is our feature column that highlights the career journey of our grads.
Name: Juanita A Houston, PsyD ’20, DLLP
Job Titles: Psychologist, Therapist, Healthy Minds and Wellness Coach
Describe your work in clinical psychology:
What do you like about your work?
I love being able to be in the community and working with people who would not traditionally see a mental health professional. Seeing when the member/client/participant understands how their work and intentional steps have been beneficial to their growth. Lastly, I love when the participant is able to verbalize the true benefit of their mental health journey and share the experience with others.
How did MSP prepare you for success?
- The requirement and opportunity to practice within many different types of practicum (community based, hospital, and private practice), helped bolster my experience and gave me the ability to develop my own style.
- I learned to understand and empathize deeper, especially through my cohort and other colleagues at the Michigan School.
- I became more malleable in my psychological practices and open to different methods.
What advice would you give to current students?
Honestly, so many things to share, but I will say this; take what you need and leave the rest. Everything is not an invitation to change systems or policies and you are one person. Take the best care of yourself that you can because psychology will be there regardless and the field needs you at your best.
All the best, Dr. Houston.
