Meet Dr, Glenda Demas, Psyd. | Licensed Professional Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr, Glenda Demas, Psyd. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr, Glenda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Upon starting my business as a Psychotherapist in Private Practice with a desire to service more than just my home state, my motivation derived from the following:

1. Passion for Helping Others

Some individuals struggle with maintaining good mental well-being due to many disparities. Whether those disparities include lack of mental health support, psychoeducational, or fear of being judged. My passion is rooted in wanting to see others live the most fulfilling life regardless of their psychological impairment. My goal has been to help others navigate through the most challenging time of their lives in the most secure space, knowing they are not alone.

2. Personal Experience

I Know firsthand how a mental health disorder can impact your day-to-day if not diagnosed and treated properly. In addition, having lost a family friend and relative to suicide, I also know what happens when an individual suffers in silence. No mental health disorder experienced will show up the same in anyone. Lived experience is the best way to understand the impact and the importance of seeking mental health support.

3. Filling the Gap within the Black Community

Within the black community, we have been taught never to share our personal challenges, and there is strength in internalizing how we feel. In addition, taking our challenges to church and praying will remedy the situation, and therapy is for the weak. Each of these is a fallacy. It is so important that we understand the importance of seeking mental health support within the black community and understand that there is no strength in silence, but instead, our power lies within our ability to SPEAK up in spite of the pain. Being a therapist of color is a great honor for me, and it is my duty to provide the support our community is in need of.

4. Advocacy and Awareness

As a member of the Board of Directors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-Greater Houston, I have had the privilege of impacting our community profoundly. In order to reduce the stigma surrounding seeking mental health support, awareness must be raised. When we begin to normalize having healthy conversations publicly surrounding mental health, we make it comfortable for those in need to seek support and begin to educate themselves on the importance of recognizing when professional help is needed. The more awareness is raised, the more the stigma is removed, and individuals are comfortable with care.

5. Vision for Better Care

Seeking mental health support and choosing the right therapist has been identified as a major challenge worldwide. We must continue appropriate dialogue with policy-makers and those in legislative offices surrounding the importance of making mental health care more accessible and affordable for all. In addition, compensating clinicians and practitioners on a higher scale.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the CEO and Owner of Pearls of Change Wellness, LLC, whose home office is located in Katy, TX.

I didn’t start with a psychology background; I wanted to become a Corporate Law Attorney and work for a Fortune 500 company. Post undergraduate school, I decided to pursue my MBA in Business Management, and while doing so, I taught Junior High School at a local school District in Houston (Fort Bend, I.S.D.). While teaching, I quickly realized my passion was more attached to counseling others through life challenges. I then decided to attend Prairie View A&M and pursue a Master’s in Counseling Education. After getting comfortable with the private sector, I decided to pursue my PhD. in Health Psychology from North Central University. I currently hold licensure in Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, and Florida. I have enjoyed serving each state, and I am looking ahead toward continued growth and expansion. In 2023, I developed a mental health wellness platform, MyMynd My Mental. The app is available for download on Google and Apple. The platform was developed to give consumers access to clinicians worldwide and valuable resources at their fingertips.

I would say that my journey has been challenging; However, I see such beauty in the transitions I’ve made along the way, which has empowered me to continue moving forward. I now know that every step I have taken has been a step toward my current destination.

I want the world to know that Pearls of Change Wellness and MyMynd My Mental are positioned to raise awareness, provide support, and educate everyone on the importance of understanding they are not alone and “Together We CAN.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a foodie, and we have some of the best restaurants in Houston.
For Brunch, Taste Kitchen and Bar, Toulouse River Oaks, Little Hen, Brenner’s on the Bayou, or Xochi.
For a night out with great food and a vibe, definitely head to Toca Madera, CIEL, or Clarkwood.
For a day of shopping, head to River Oaks District. Zimmerman, Dior, Alice & Olivia, and Balmain are my favorite designers to frequent.
If you are into the arts, The Museum of Fine Arts-Houston is a must-visit.
February to March is our rodeo season is always a hit! We have a star-studded lineup from Country, Pop, and Hip-Hop that is always quite a treat.
Houston has so much to engage you year-round. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for more than 20 years has conditioned me on the importance of servitude and respect for all mankind. Through my sorority, I first learned the importance of empowerment and using my voice. Being a distinguished woman, in my view, is more valuable when coupled with a heart for service.
I want to thank my sons, Christian and Aiden, for being a part of the sacrifice in pursuit of building my legacy. When pursuing our dreams, our family often takes the back seat or front seat when we experience the ebb and flow that comes along the journey. My children have shown such resilience and support, which continues to motivate me today. I have a great network of girlfriends who have been extremely supportive and available for me, and I greatly appreciate them.
My mentor, Dr. Mia Wright, Co-Pastor of Fountain of Praise Church in Houston, TX., during some of my toughest moments, reminded me of who I was to my core. Her words and presence are what have kept me grounded, focused, and determined to succeed. For my 45th Birthday Celebration, she was unable to attend and instead provided a video message to share. That message is played as often as needed as a constant reminder to keep going.

Website: https://www.pearlsofchange.com

Instagram: the_drevettedemas

Linkedin: Dr. Glenda Demas

Twitter: @pearlsofchange

Facebook: @pearlsofchangewellness

Yelp: PearlsofChangeWellness

Youtube: @pearlsofchangewellness