Dr. Belinda Ross is a multi-talented woman! Not only is she a psychologist, social worker, teacher, author, gospel singer, mother, grandmother, and baker of delectable treats, I'm proud to say that she's my friend and colleague!
It's funny that even when one has spoken with and worked with people for a period of time, there are things about their colleague that one doesn't know. And I'm guilty of that. So, I seek to rectify that with my good sister, friend, and colleague, Dr. Belinda Ross.
Dr. Belinda Ross has a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Grand Valley State in Michigan. She also obtained a Master's degree in Personnel and Education Counseling from Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. She has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Sierra University in San Diego, California. Dr. Ross is also a Fellow at UCLA Anderson School of Business.
When I asked what led her to the field of psychology, "I used to work as a medical social worker for 7 years. It broke my heart to see families have to put their elders in nursing homes, especially to see how the absence of the elder had on their families. And, I have to confess, I have always been fascinated with observing people's behavior and wondered why people do what they do."
I asked her what a clinical psychologist does, she says, "we make diagnoses, recommend treatments and conduct various forms of therapy. We also refer the patient to a psychiatrist, if necessary, for medication, along with the therapy that may also be needed. Depending on the state, clinical psychologists can also write prescriptions."
One of the more interesting projects that Dr. Ross has been a part of is Saving Our Entertainers Lives (SOEL). She works on this project as a trustee, along with Marvin Frazier (former NFL player), Angela Lowe Levert (Sean Levert's widow) and Marc Gordon, the remaining original member of the singing group Levert. Dr. Ross got on board with this project after meeting Marc Gordon through a mutual friend from Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr. Ross explained, "Marc became very concerned about celebrities losing their lives, especially after losing both Gerald and Sean Levert. Entertainers and professional athletes face unique challenges. When young people suddenly become famous, particularly if they come from disadvantaged communities, suddenly having a bunch of money, fame, access to lots of sex and drugs; and not knowing how to deal with all of it can create situations and issues in their lives that they aren't equipped to handle effectively."
There are so many examples of celebrities who get caught up in the things that fame and money bring. And, truthfully, I'm still angry that Prince, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and so many of our talented sisters and brothers have left us way too soon.
Dr. Ross continues, "Marc participates in many panels, discussing mental health, suicide, drug addiction and the 'perks' of fame. It's important to Marc, because he knows that kids look up to entertainers and ballers. Celebrity life looks really good from the outside, but it's all too easy to get caught up and then get out of control."
Dr. Belinda Ross, a woman of many talents, always has knowledge, and a kind word, to help us fight the insanity we see every day.
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