Today we’d like to introduce you to Jermia Smith.
Jermia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started right here in Tampa, FL. I didn’t realize my story was much more foreign than most, given that Florida is the state known for retirement. I’m the 2nd generation of my family to be born and raised here and educated by the Hillsborough County Public School System. Since as far back as I can remember, I had this burning urge to help. I was the child known for asking any and everyone if they needed my help for anything. In my early childhood, I grew a love for children. One of my fondest memories was assisting my aunt with her in-home daycare while in elementary school. I knew that my journey of helping wouldn’t stop there.
At Brandon High School, home of the Eagles, I entered the nursing program to get a jump start into the healthcare profession. Not to mention, it was a luxury leaving school hours early to intern at the local assisted living facility. From infancy to the geriatric population, it set my soul on fire to add value to the lives of others. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University with hopes of building a school. Those dreams took a sharp turn when I fell in love with psychology during undergrad. Later, I returned home to Tampa, FL to attain my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Argosy University. With a host of knowledge and experience, I earned the title of Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida.
Since 2013, I have served in several leadership positions with the Florida Counseling Association to promote the value of professional counseling and advocate for public mental health awareness. In 2019, I proudly and humbly opened the doors to my mental health clinical practice, The Be Centre for Mental health and Wellness, LLC. My vision was apparent: creating a safe space to help adults and teens understand their true value and identify their strengths to navigate through life’s challenges with an emotionally focused and mindfulness-based approach. One of my greatest gift is the ability to make genuine connections with others while supporting and motivating them towards confidently creating a fulfilling life. My primary focus of establishing a practice in Hillsborough county was to give back to the community that was instrumental in my personal and professional growth.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
What’s life without a few bumps and bruises? Of course, it hasn’t been smooth. The struggles I’ve faced to get to where I am today were pillars for my success, both personal and professional. For starters, I quit several jobs in the process of obtaining my degrees due to the employer’s policy and unwillingness to compromise with my school schedule. Professionally, I’ve faced racial profiling, racial micro-aggressions, sexual harassment in the workplace, and a host of other discriminations due to my identity as an African American woman in America. Personally, I’ve overcome family separation and parental divorce during my undergraduate years at Florida State. In 2017, I faced the death of my father two weeks after entering the world of motherhood and birthing my beautiful daughter. My road to licensure and private practice hasn’t been without detours, however, it has been the ride of a lifetime.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Be Centre for Mental Health & Wellness?
My practice specializes in treating individuals, couples, and teens. Through ten years of experience in the field of service, I’m assured that no problem is too great to overcome. Through therapy, there is always a way to address the issues many face and learn coping strategies to help my clients both right now and in the future. What sets me apart is my sincere and down-to-earth nature that compliments the warmth of my spirit. I have an innate ability to connect with my client right where they are in their life.
I realize that no two people are the same and as such, tailor my therapy to meet the specific needs of my clients. Whether they are struggling with anxiety, depression or any other issue, I will help them recognize underlying problems, fully realize their strengths and adjust certain behaviors and thoughts to see things in a different, healthier way. I offer comprehensive services dealing with the following specialties: Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Post-Traumatic Disorders (PTSD), Anger Management, Coping Skills, Dual Diagnosis, Divorce, Grief, Life Transitions, Racial Identity, Gender Identity, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Self Harming, Stress Management, and Suicidal Ideation.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice on finding a mentor would be to GET INVOLVED! With any profession, there are professional development organizations established for networking purposes. Do your research, find their events, and attend. Someone will talk to you. Ask questions! In the field of counseling, WE CONSULT! When in doubt, consult! I’ve had the pleasure of fostering many relationships since 2013 with the Florida Counseling Association. What an amazing family and community to be a part of as I developed myself as a leader and professional counselor in the state of Florida.
Contact Info:
- Email: thebecentreus@gmail.com
- Website: https://tbcentre.com/about/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebecentre
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBeCentreforMentalHealthandWellness
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jermia-m-smith-brandon-fl/303654
Image Credits:
Professional Headshots – Ashley Morrow with Ashley Canay Videography and Photography
