Dr. Essence Deming-Rivers, PsyD is a psychologist with a knack for working with people in an easy, approachable style that resonates with our Selby Scholars. She has provided organization tools to build their time management strategies and offered practical approaches to strengthen mental wellness, two areas in which Scholars request additional support.
Dr. Deming-Rivers shared the story of how she came to be in this field, especially as a young professional who is so relatable to our scholars:
“Early on, I was inspired by my dad’s work as a psychologist, which sparked my interest in the field around age 12. I knew I wanted to pursue a something that allowed me to help people feel fulfilled and encouraged, to provide people with options that were right for THEM instead of a generic approach, and something that allowed me to be creative and think outside the box.
“As I grew up, I liked the idea of making a more direct, relational impact, which is how I ended up actually sticking with the idea of becoming a psychologist. I participated in dual enrollment during high school, which gave me an early start on college credits and exposure to college-level coursework (My parents actually had to drop me off to my first day of college because I didn’t have my driver’s license yet). After high school, I pursued my undergraduate degree in psychology, followed by my doctorate in Clinical Psychology. As part of my training, I got to do practicums in a variety of settings which helped me find the types of clients and concerns I enjoyed treating.
“I did a lot of work investing in myself by going to therapy, learning more about my strengths and values, and then becoming more open and transparent about who I am to others. Honestly, I think this made the biggest impact on where I am today, because I learned from my personal struggles and now use that awareness in my work.
“When working with college students, my goal is to help them identify their own values and goals, and to support them in becoming who they want to be. I try to focus on helping them build the skills for self-acceptance and self-advocacy, because nobody ever really teaches those things, which makes early adulthood pretty challenging. I spend a lot of time encouraging the students I see to take advantage of college, when they don’t have to know everything or do everything perfectly.
“In my consulting work, my goals are to be a representation of what’s possible and to model how to use the privilege that I’ve gained through my career. Throughout my education, I did not have examples of people that shared my identity, which made it hard to imagine or believe it was possible for me. So, I’m aiming to be an example and to remove barriers that make students doubt themselves. I also want to demonstrate that people don’t have to be stuck in a single box or a single career venture – if you spend time honing in your strengths, you can fit into the different places that all need your unique skillset.”
The Selby Foundation is grateful for Dr. Deming-Rivers and her example. When students tell us how much they gained from her workshops, we know her practical wisdom, lived experience, and influence for good has made a difference.