Meet Maureen DeRyke, PLMHP, PMSW, the owner of Daring Minds Therapy (daringmindstherapy.info)
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Tell us a little about your business. – We are a women-owned mental health private practice. We believe healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and we cooperatively assist clients in clarifying their goals for treatment.
How did you get started in the business? – I wanted to enhance human well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of all people, with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty which is the primary mission of the social work profession.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
– The biggest challenge I’ve faced professionally is reminding myself of the power of saying no in order to not spread myself too thin in turn to maintain a healthy balance in both my professional and home life.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My most important achievement professionally is that I have been allotted the opportunity to provide services within my community and have working relationships with local organizations to help advocate and improve mental health.
Tell us a little about your family. – In my little family it consists of my partner Mike, my son Creighton (16), and my daughter London (12). We also have two fur babies Gunther, a German Shepard, and Pearl, a French Bulldog.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The biggest turning points in your life have been when my children were born and achieving my goal of being a social worker.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Watch football.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – My fear of frogs.
Who inspires you? – My sister Andrea.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “It always seems impossible until it’s done” – Nelson Mandela
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Optimistic.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Everyday” by Logic and Marshmello.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – To be able to time travel.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Photography.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I’m passionate about all nonprofit organizations whose goal is to help provide services to our most vulnerable populations.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I don’t really have a lot of time to read books but I love and regularly read research articles.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Bourbon Street.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Frida Kahlo.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (531) 289-1005; Maureen.deryke@daringmindstherapy.com; daringmindstherapy.info.