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Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

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Erline Destra

DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner because I’m passionate about helping people navigate their mental health challenges. Seeing the positive changes in my patients’ lives—watching them gain self-understanding, build resilience, and live more fulfilling lives—is what motivates me to continue. I believe that everyone deserves compassionate care, and I’m committed to offering that to each person I work with.
Hello, I'm Erline, a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With years of experience, I've worked closely with people facing chronic illnesses and mental health challenges. I've dedicated my career to providing compassionate care to those in need. I am specialized in helping adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment to stressful events or changes in their life, as well as social and cultural influences that affect mental health. My approach is built on a foundation of compassion, respect, and a deep belief in treating the whole person. I take the time to truly listen and understand your unique experience, considering all aspects of your life that may be influencing your well-being. I'll collaborate with you as an active partner, drawing on the latest research-backed therapeutic techniques and guidelines for medication-based treatments to inform your care. My goal is to empower you with knowledge, tools, and support, so you can navigate challenges and thrive in your life. Treatment philosophy: I believe that each individual is unique and deserves to be treated as such. My goal is to support you in taking the time to truly understand yourself, your strengths and challenges so that you can make informed decisions about the direction of your life. I’m not interested in throwing a bunch of pills at you and calling it a day, but I want to help you understand what’s going on with your body and mind so that we can come up with some strategies that work for you. I want to help my patients find a way of being in a world based on self-compassion and kindness.
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Nicole Fletcher-Griggs

PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I care deeply about community mental health and wanted to make a difference. Seeing my patients improve and thrive continues to motivate me every day.
Hi! I'm Nicole Fletcher-Griggs, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 20 years of mental health experience. I am deeply passionate about community mental health and committed to improving the lives of those I serve. I co-own Better You Behavioral Health Services LLC, where I conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations, diagnose mental health conditions, and develop personalized treatment plans. I also prescribe and manage medications, focusing on safety and effectiveness. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, I'm here to help you navigate through tough times. Previously, I've worked at Aetna, where I managed complex cases, and at The Brook Hospital, where I provided specialized care for patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy. My academic background includes a Master's degree from Northern Kentucky University and a Bachelor's from Indiana Wesleyan University, both with high honors. I believe in holistic care and work closely with other healthcare providers to ensure you get the best possible support. I also pride myself on being empathetic, compassionate, and a strong advocate for my patients. If you're looking for someone to listen, understand, and provide comprehensive mental health care, I'm here for you. Let's work together to achieve your best mental health.
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Carolyn Hanohano

PMHNP-BC, PhD, RN
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
My journey in healthcare began in the military, where I developed a deep passion for helping others. Over the years, I’ve seen the profound impact that compassionate mental health care can have on people’s lives, and that motivates me to continue supporting individuals in their mental health journeys.
Hello, I’m Carolyn J. O. Hanohano, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With over two decades of experience in nursing, my mission is to provide compassionate and effective mental health care. I earned my PhD in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University and have advanced training as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Eastern Kentucky University. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in various settings, including hospitals and clinics, always striving to improve patient care and ensure a safe environment. My journey in healthcare began in the military, where I served in the United States Naval Reserves as a Hospital Corpsman and Certified Surgical Technologist. This experience cultivated my skills in patient care, team coordination, and surgical assistance. I hold numerous certifications, including Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Basic Life Support (BLS) and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI). I am licensed to practice in California and committed to continuous learning to stay at the forefront of mental health care. In my daily practice, I prioritize clear communication and patient-centered care. I’m here to listen, understand your needs, and support your mental well-being. Let’s work together on your journey to better health.
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Maryam Sajjad

PMHNP-BC, APRN
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist to help people overcome mental health challenges and improve their quality of life. Seeing my patients grow, heal, and achieve their goals is my greatest motivation to continue.
Hello! My name is Maryam Sajjad, and I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for helping individuals achieve their mental health goals. I bring extensive experience providing care to patients aged 16 and up through both in-person and telehealth visits. My expertise spans a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety, Sleep Disorders, PTSD, Trauma, and Mood Disorders. What sets me apart is my ability to build strong, therapeutic relationships with my patients. I pride myself on being an empathetic listener and creating a supportive environment. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to deliver personalized and effective treatment plans. In my practice, I am skilled in medication management, crisis intervention, and developing individualized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. With strong communication skills, I collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care. If you're looking for a compassionate and experienced healthcare provider who offers telehealth services, I am here to support you. My goal is to help you lead a happy and fulfilling life by guiding you toward optimal mental health. Together, we can work towards a healthier, more balanced future. Let's work together toward your mental well-being!