Deandra Hennemann

I was 2 when I told my dad I was going to be a doctor…

And at age 7, I clarified it even further: “Hey Dad, I am going to be a doctor. But not like the ones who cut people; the ones who help people by talking.”

I am not entirely sure how I had the clarity at such a young age, probably the way family told me I was able to help them, listened well, was well spoken. I was aware and understood that I was meant to help people with healing through the gift of therapy.

I don’t know how I knew, but I felt as though it had been bred into me to be a therapist. I knew I was created for a higher purpose to help people.

For some reason, I just had the gift…

Ever since then, random strangers have had a way of just coming to me and telling me all about their lives: good, bad, and indifferent. Even as an untrained youngster, I always listened intently and tried to help.

Being friendly, warm, calm, caring, and open to helping people I would say have been traits that draw people to me. Even without therapy, those are my typical characteristics, spreading positivity and a helping hand, instilling hope to difficult situations.

Of course, I wanted to be taken seriously…

There wasn’t a lot of room for negotiations or error, so I knew I needed to go to college and at least get a master’s to be able to do it right. So… that’s what I did.

I graduated with my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Norfolk State University and that fall began working on my master’s. I graduated top of my class at Nova Southeastern University with a Master of Science degree Mental Health Counseling.

One of the things I took away from my formal education is how to build my therapy home. Starting with a client-centered approach is always good and build the walls strong with cognitive behavioral and other theories that look at the whole person inside and out of the context of their life.

Another thing I took away was that therapy is a gift that’s meant to be shared. As therapists, we give rise to the experience people take away from our sessions, so we should give them the maximum benefit.

I had the education and the passion. Here’s what I did next…

I threw myself into multiple areas of counseling including: children, adults, trauma, substance abuse, crisis, parenting for the Department of Children and Families, and the jail system. Looking back, I realize that was God allowing me to serve and further hone my craft.

Throughout my experience, I learned a lot of patience with people and myself. I learned that trauma manifests in many ways and that ultimately led me to become trauma-trained.

This is my focus…

I help adolescents and adults who are suffering from traumatic experiences, depression, and anxiety – folks who want relief, to learn resiliency, and want to live a life of freedom and vitality from their past.

I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and brief solution-focused therapy.

When I’m not doing therapy…

I love spending time with my family, dog, and serving in church.

I love to do a multitude of activities from tubing, parks, movies to travel. Somewhere near the beach with great people and food are definitely a must. Especially food because I love to eat and try new restaurants.

Looking forward to the future…

In the next 10 years, I would like to open a health and wellness center to help people on a larger scale.

When I think of how to help people, I think of what my first medical director said to me: “We are planters; we can’t save or help everyone, but it is our job to sow the seeds and allow them to harvest what they may in due time.” That is how I view therapy.

I am here to help guide you to your desired wellness. I’m excited to embark on this journey with you, because you deserve the life that you create.