Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Nekeshia Hammond.
Hi Dr. Hammond, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I saw my very first patient in graduate school back in 2004 during my training year. He was a young elementary school boy dealing with trauma and multiple mental health issues. I still remember how terrified he was to see a mental health professional; due to the trauma he had experienced in his life. I recall how my supervisor and I came up with a plan to help this little boy feel comfortable enough to even attend his psychological testing appointment with me. It was quite amazing to see how the trauma impacted this little boy’s life, but it got my mind wondering, how can I help more children to overcome emotional pain and trauma and still live a happy, healthy and productive life? Fast forward to January 2009, and I started a private practice specializing in working with children and teens.
A few years later, the business expanded to Hammond Psychology & Associates, and we have had the honor of seeing thousands of patients of all ages, working diligently to improve the lives of others. My specialty area is now psychological evaluations, generally ADHD, learning disabilities, and PTSD. When I am not in the office, I am typically speaking to groups about mental health, writing my next book, or consulting with media outlets throughout the world. It is also my greatest joy to be involved with various Boards throughout the community, including serving as a Past President of the Florida Psychological Association, Immediate Past Chair of Rising Media Stars, Inc., and a Board member of the Ryan Nece Foundation.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, it has not always been a smooth road. Even though it’s 12 years later, I still remember the intense fear of even starting my own business. There were a lot of doubts about starting a business, something I had not done before. I remember feeling quite inadequate in entering the “business world,” it was scary to say the least. Thankfully, I was able to face those fears and dive right into it, making mistakes along the way, and trying my best to learn the lessons from the journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hammond Psychology & Associates, P.A.?
Hammond Psychology & Associates, P.A. is a private practice serving children, teens, and adults. Our primary specialty area is psychological evaluations. We do evaluations ranging from Gifted testing, ADHD evaluations, learning disability testing, and more. Our practice is proud to the be winner of the “Best of Brandon Mental Health Practitioner Offices” for the past six consecutive years. In addition to our work “in the office”, we are also very proud of our support of various charities within the community, especially charities who support youth and young adults.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Most people who know me well would say I am not risk averse. I love taking risks, because of the potential of personal growth whether the situation works out in your favor or not. I was not always as brave as I am now (laughing), but I’ve learned the power of patience, trust, and faith. Starting a business was taking a risk. Working to expand the practice was a risk. Trying to juggle multiple entrepreneurial projects, family, and self-care is taking a risk. When I was asked a few years ago to host a TV show, which aired on several stations throughout the US, I took a huge risk. When I left the show a few years later to concentrate on a digital show which now reaches an international audience, that was another risk. So, I would say at this point in my career, I am now in the state of “curiosity” and open to new ventures. It has been a huge mindset shift for me to now look at risk as possibilities and learning opportunities, rather than something negative to fear.
Contact Info:
- Email: admin@HammondPsychology.com
- Website: HammondPsychology.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/dr.hammond
- Facebook: facebook.com/drnekeshiahammond
- Twitter: twitter.com/dr_hammond
- Youtube: youtube.com/drnekeshiahammond
- Other: DrNekeshiaHammond.com
Image Credits
Joey Clay Studio
MP Studios Tampa
Jessika L. Ward
