Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamarri Aikins.
Hi Jamarri, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey up until this point in my life has been a long and arduous one. I was born and raised in Mount Pleasant, a small town in East Texas. Growing up in a small town, I learned the value of hard work, humility, kindness, and perseverance. Most of these values were instilled in me by my mother. As a single mother, she not only juggled working a full-time job, but also ensured that I and my siblings were on time to our various academic, athletic, and extracurricular endeavors. Seeing how hard she worked, I knew that the only way to ensure that her efforts were not in vain was to pursue the highest academic achievement possible.
I started on that journey at Texas Christian University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minored in social work. I chose psychology to understand and attempt to solve the problem of human suffering. I wanted to understand how I could best use my knowledge and experience to help others overcome their own personal struggles.
I completed my graduate level studies at Louisiana State University in the Child Clinical Psychology Program where I developed an interest in externalizing behaviors (e.g., oppositionality, defiance, aggression) and factors that contributed to the presentation of these symptoms. Along the way, I conducted research in various other areas such as trauma, anxiety, depression. Throughout my graduate training, I learned so much about myself, about the world, and about how we as humans interact with one another. I traveled the world in pursuit of various training opportunities after graduate school, and I have recently returned to my home state to begin my career in private practice
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?
It for sure has been a difficult journey. The most difficult thing has been the constant moving. I have lived in four different states in the last 10 years which makes laying roots a bit difficult. It’s also difficult being away from family and only being able to see them for holidays.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work with a mixture of children, adolescents, and young adults. My therapeutic approach is one that appreciates that individual’s unique interests, needs, strengths, and life experiences. I truly believe that we all have an innate ability to solve our own problems. My goal in therapy is to promote an individual’s unique strengths and help them to find the motivation to make the changes that need to be made. I use an approach called Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying and challenging our maladaptive thoughts and promotes healthy daily behaviors.
What makes you happy?
I enjoy listening to and playing music. I have always been drawn to music because it has this unique ability to communicate different emotions across time and cultures. Music is a universal language and connects us all. I don’t normally use music in therapy, but it may be something I consider for the future.
I also find enjoyment in spending time with my pup, Jameson. He is a 4-year-old Jack Russel Terrier mix. He is high energy and keeps me on my toes.
Contact Info:
- Email: jamarri@aikinstherapy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjamarri/
