Dr. Deborah Wilson is busy on multiple fronts. An assistant professor in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Texas Southern University and licensed professional counselor (LPC), Wilson’s also a licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC) and maintains a limited private practice while serving as a crisis intervention consultant for a nationwide crisis intervention network.
But wherever she is, a call for community and mental wellness is front and center.
The Defender recently spoke to this wellness warrior about her multiple roles and the drive behind them.
Defender: What experiences led you to counseling?
Wilson: I grew up in an environment and time in history where “I’m Black and I’m Proud” was the resounding message for Black folks. Still, I was dealing with personal childhood challenges that piqued my curiosity from a young age in terms of interacting with family and the community. I took my first class in psychology at Wayne County Community College and got hooked. As I journeyed into the profession, I was fortunate to become involved with a group that further assisted me in understanding the world in which we all co-exist. This relationship provided me with a unique perspective in working through life’s challenges and putting into perspective understanding the importance of intellectual stimulation, culturally relevant interaction and spiritual matters. I practice these teachings at all levels as I interact in the world, including academia and in private practice. Bottom line: Understanding who you are and affiliation with a strong group, can provide the psychological fortitude to deal with life’s challenges.
Defender: What’s most rewarding about your job?
Wilson: The most rewarding aspect of what I do is preparing students as they journey into the field of counseling. Primarily, I assist them in gaining the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to become effective helping professionals.
Defender: What’s the most challenging part of your work?
Wilson: In a world of constantly evolving technology, social media and virtual reality, I have to maintain a conscious awareness of the impact it has on students in the classroom (from a teaching and learning perspective), and in how I interact with clients in the therapeutic setting. A case in point is recent DEI debates and legislation. Most legislation is based on politically motivated, emotionally fueled rhetoric vs. empirical research. The principles upon which the helping professions are built in terms of ethics, morals, and values are directly connected to the Constitution. Given that states control academic programming and professional licensure, they can impact how I interact as an academic with students and as a professional working with clients.
Defender: What challenges have you faced professionally as a Black woman?
Wilson: Microaggressions, stereotyping, having to cringe and hold back as disparaging remarks are made about others and our students at PWI’s on the one hand, and dealing with misdirected competition from Black professionals who sometimes lack a level of awareness that we are one, and we need each other. In some cases we Black women cannot catch a break. Overall, I cannot imagine working anywhere else. Academia gives me a unique opportunity to prepare the next generation of helping professions. Understanding who I am provides me with the psychological fortitude to deal with it.
Defender: Is your field something more Blacks should pursue?
Wilson: Absolutely! Especially Black males. I’ve taught in graduate counseling programs for over 20 years at PWIs and HBCUs. Ninety-eight percent of graduates journeying into the field over the course of my tenure are Black and white women. A growing percentage of clients (individuals, couples, and families) are Black and people of color. Many clients of color express a preference for someone who looks like and can relate to them. Empirical research confirms the need. The impact that Black males have in communities of color cannot be underestimated. Their presence is much needed and appreciated. The bottom line is that Black helping professionals are effective in understanding the Black experience. However, it is critically important that the person understands who they are to be effective. I cannot stress this enough.
About Deborah Wilson
Place of birth: Detroit, MI (East Side)
Favorite thing about Houston: The culturally diverse nature of the city
What are you reading these days: “American Madness” by Alice Feller, MD; “The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health” by Dr. Rheeda Walker; “Reclaiming Stolen Earth” by Dr. Jawanza Eric Clark
What’s currently on your playlist: KTSU 90.9 anything Jazz!!!
Advice for young, future Licensed Professional Counselors: Go for it if you love helping others and want to acquire an understanding of the development journey in which we all must travel.
Mantra: Start every day with a focus on things that you are grateful for. Be patient and be kind to others.
