In my TEDx talk at North Carolina State University, I encouraged the audience to consider themselves as skilled consumers of mental health resources. Rather than viewing mental wellness as something that's managed solely by professionals, I wanted them to understand the importance of taking ownership of their own healing. Mental health is deeply personal, and each of us must play an active role in determining how to best care for ourselves.
My message was about reframing life stories—looking at where we’ve been, where we are, and where we want to go. Many of us face trauma, stress, and loss, and as a psychotherapist specializing in these areas, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be to change the narrative. Through small, actionable steps, I believe we can all learn to navigate challenges, pursue our goals, and take care of our mental health in ways that support long-term wellness.
If is good enough for Beyonce and Leo Messi ....is probably good enough for you. Build a Team. Dr. Kay De Simone, DSW
As a clinical psychotherapist and Doctoral graduate
at the University of Alabama, I bring gold-standard modalities to my work, including EMDR, which I provide through intensives at my offices in Cary, NC, and Manhattan, NY. I’m passionate about equipping my clients with the tools and skills they need to heal effectively and efficiently, which is why I emphasized becoming mental wellness decision-makers in my talk. It’s crucial to seek out culturally competent care and to understand the mental health system so that it works for you, not against you.
Through my work and my own life experiences, I've come to realize that wellness is not just about checking boxes—it's about aligning your mental health care with your goals, your life story, and your growth. It’s about building a sustainable, joyful path forward while prioritizing mental health every step of the way.
If you're curious about my talk or want to learn more about how to take charge of your mental wellness, check out my TEDx talk on TED.com or at the following link
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