Heroes Unmasked shines a spotlight on individuals like yourself that our team and the general public identify as heroes. You were chosen because your business provides an essential service, especially in the midst of the global pandemic.
You are a special kind of healthcare hero, a mental healthcare hero :D. We welcome Licensed Clinical Psychologist Doctor Joanna R. Benavidez to ComicBookChuck.
Q1:So higher education has become somewhat controversial in modern times because people have begun to disagree on the value exchange, especially during the pandemic when classes were switched to remote learning. How long did it take you to earn your Doctorate and what motivated you to complete it?
I understand the hesitation about higher education, especially with the hefty price tag attached to it. It took me about 3 years to receive my undergraduate degree, and 6 years to earn my Ph.D. My motivation was to become a licensed provider to help others with psychiatric disorders. I also believe that higher education does more than provide you with a stable career, it can really help develop yourself in ways you never thought possible.
Q2: Did you always want to be a Clinical Psychologist?
I remember always being very interested in the brain. I asked my mother to buy me neurology and psychology textbooks when I was a child. I always knew I wanted to be in healthcare. When I was 17, I joined the United States Air Force. I was an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in the USAF. As an EMT started to realize just how important psychological factors could influence health outcomes. Luckily, there was a clinical psychologist in my squadron who mentored me. By the time I was retired from the military, I had made up my mind that I wanted to be a clinical psychologist.
Q3: Have you noticed any dramatic changes in your field since the pandemic began?
Yes! First of all, according to the American Psychological Association 3 out of 4 psychologists report there has been an increase in demand for their services. Definitely, more people are needing access to mental health care due to the many pandemic-related stressors. I have personally seen a change in my caseload. Transitioning to 100% telehealth was also a bit challenging. Many providers are moving toward telehealth and electronic health record keeping.
Q4: How difficult was it to get licensed in the state of California? Do you think the process was fair?
It was time consuming for sure! I attended an APA accredited program that really prepared me for the licensing exams. Individuals in California have to 1. Have a doctorate in clinical psychology, counseling psychology or educational psychology, 2. Complete pre-licensure coursework, 3. Complete 1500 hours predoctoral supervised hours, 4. Complete 1500 hours postdoctoral supervised hours, 5. Pass the national licensing exam (EPPP), and 6. Pass the California Psychology Law and Ethics Exam (CPLEE). I do think the process is fair, albeit lengthy. I think the Board of Psychology in California has really done a great job shaping the field of psychology and ensuring those who become licensed are educated and experienced.
Q5: Personally, as someone who has struggled with mental health issues of my own I view your occupation as essential. I’m sure the masses agree as well. Can you say more about why Clinical Psychologists are so important, especially during a time like this?
Clinical psychology is important because it’s not just about “listening to other peoples’ problems.” Clinical psychology applies the science and research of cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects to help people learn to deal with psychiatric disorders. I am always shocked by how many misconceptions the public believes about psychiatric disorders and mental health in general. We don’t teach this stuff in schools yet, so it is difficult for humans to just try to inherently understand their complex minds without some sort of guidance. Speaking to a third party person who has no biases about you is healing in ways you can only understand when you develop a healthy therapeutic relationship (which research shows are where the REAL change comes from).
Q6: 2020 was, in a word: stressful. 2021 is off to a rocky start with Covid death predictions currently expecting the death toll to teach ½ a million American lives. What advice can you offer to those struggling with their mental health during this time?
Start slow with small, healthy habits. Don’t be too hard on yourself if these habits don’t “stick” right away. Try to have a schedule. Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Sleep is important to help stabilize your mental health. Exercise is important. Try not to sit so much. Change clothes for different activities so you’re not in pajamas all day. Meditation will help you so much. I promise. I try to meditate daily for at least 20 minutes in the morning. Journaling your thoughts and feelings can be very helpful. Get creative with socializing. My friends and I have been meeting to cook via Facetime, we have even played games online, and have done online tours. Just because you can’t socialize how you want to does not mean you should not socialize at all. Please continue to call, text, and video chat with your family and friends. Social support is so important.
Q7: You are also a veteran on top of all your other amazing accomplishments. What was your experience in the military like?
My experience in the military was mostly positive. Luckily, I had a lot of people looking out for me in my squadron. The military taught me a lot of things like independence, work ethic, and teamwork. When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, it became very difficult to continue my military career. When I retired from the military, I was saddened. However, now I look at that time of my life as something that shaped me into who I am today.
Q8: You own and operate your own practice. What was it like becoming a LatinX business owner and entrepreneur? Were there any challenges you faced that you felt were unique to your cultural background? Did you encounter any prejudice on your journey?
It was interesting! I literally had no one coaching or guiding me. It was literally just me and Google figuring out how to establish a business. I experienced prejudice, but I just used it as motivation to build something bigger to help other people. I have experienced racism and sexism in my journey, but I have also learned that you should not take advice/criticism from people you do not admire. I try not to personalize it, even though it can sting sometimes.
Q9: You have dealt with Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that causes the immune system to attack the body. If you are comfortable, can you share how you dealt/are dealing with that experience?
Multiple Sclerosis is a fascinating and frustrating disease. When I was first diagnosed, I was extremely sick. The medication I was taking at the time was only about 30% effective, and it did not really help in the way I had hoped. I lost vision in one eye once. Another time I was partially paralyzed on one side of my body. I deal with it by surrounding myself with nothing but supportive, caring people. My husband is the best support I could ever ask for. I have a great medical team that listens to me and helps me stay on track with current, more effective disease-modifying treatments. I still experience fatigue and pain daily, and I definitely struggle with a loss of functioning. I deal with it by getting psychological care myself when I need it. I also try to use self-compassion with myself when it gets hard.
Q10: In closing, having achieved so many milestones personally and professionally, what is the next big thing for you?
That is a great question! I would like to write a book one day in the future about recovering from trauma. A more short-term goal is that I will be training to be able to administer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in late February. I always want to learn new/effective therapies and tools to help my patients flourish.
