Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Mona Robbins.
Mona, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
To know me is to know my energy and passion for life! My friend described me as the textbook definition of an extrovert, because I honestly get hyped from being around people. I guess that’s what made my career choice as a psychologist such a perfect fit. I have the privilege of entering the private lives of others and sharing my energy through encouragement, support, and skill development. I often say I practice just as much as I “preach,” because each interaction teaches me to find the troubles as well as the commonality that helps me connect with people. We all have insecurities, doubts, strengths, and successes that make us who we are. Understanding this reality pushes me to inspire people to “just be” versus getting lost in the fantasy we often try to create for others. Regardless of whether I am conducting therapy, giving a lecture, engaging a community audience, or talking with a friend, I am trying to embrace the lesson that is sometimes learned too late…find your joy in the experiences that feed your heart and be true to yourself.
I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago and relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex as a young professional. Since moving, I’ve been welcomed by new and old friends, colleagues, and community members who have made me feel at home. I’ve been fortunate to form relationships with people in the field of psychology who have provided support and guidance as my career continues to grow. Each connection has led me in a direction that confirms my next step or interest. It is now, after many years of schooling, training, persistence, and favor that I am able to step out with courage to expand my reach to provide the same support to others. In my role as the President of the DFW Association of Black Psychologists, I have partnered with collaborators to increase awareness about the importance of mental health. My goal is to be a model for those interested in psychology with opportunity to see a different representation of what a psychologist looks like and does.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The path to success for anyone is a challenge and it has been no different for me. I believe the biggest challenge has been trusting myself to do well and getting out of my own way. Of course there have been (and will be) people on the sidelines who are not fans of my approach or bubbly demeanor. At times, I have wasted too much energy dedicated towards adjusting myself to meet their demands. The now version of myself laughs at the naïve moments that consumed unnecessary time. But, I realize the younger version of myself needed those experiences to be the stronger version of myself for future obstacles I will still face. Because the truth really is that nothing worth having comes easy. I have placed myself in positions that have stretched me and sustained me all at the same time. There have been times when I questioned why I even took on certain tasks just to get a small piece of confirmation that I am on the right track. Above all, I push and I climb because that is who I am. Once I started allowing myself to soar, I gave myself permission to do what I encourage in my patients…to just be. As a woman, I particularly believe in finding my voice and being comfortable in my skin. Too often, women are socialized to “play nice,” play by the rules, and simply accept what is given to them. I have found extreme satisfaction in not only learning the rules but making a few of my own.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Currently employed as an Assistant Professor at the UT Southwestern Medical Center, I provide psychotherapy and programming support for adult patients with various cancer diagnoses. My specialty is in health psychology which focuses on understanding psychological factors that affect medical condition management. Across my work and training, I have provided care to adults, adolescents, and children utilizing a developmental lens to understand disease progression and coping. My current interests include a combination of clinical care and practice-based research that holistically address the psychosocial, biological, and cultural dynamics that promote and hinder overall mental health wellness.
Many people have asked how I remain resilient given the challenges and heart-breaking moments that can occur when working in oncology. For me, I am reminded of my own loved ones and friends who may not have had access to the type of services I provide. I think of the larger picture and the broader mission and capture the precious moments of progress that are reached with some patients to withstand the hardships that will come. More importantly, I have developed a greater appreciation for living in the present and prioritizing the people and events that matter most, because health is one of the greatest assets that many of us can have. Each day, I am thankful for the people who push past their own discomfort, hesitancy, and skepticism to share a glimmer of hope with me.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Apps:
Calm
Headspace
The Mindfulness App
Stop, Breathe, and Think
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @monarobbins2020
- Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/monarobbins2020/
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