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Debra Taylor-Smith, Ph.D., Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist-Supervisor, AAMFT Approved Supervisor-Candidate, Part-Time Assistant Professor-Marriage & Family Therapy, National University, Adjunct Professor of Graduate Counseling Program, Texas Wesleyan University
Owner/Founder of Eleven 150 Solutions Therapy Services.
Specialty: I specialize in working with high-conflict couples, law enforcement relationships, individuals and families coping with stressors caused by everyday life circumstances and challenges. Primary therapy mode utilized: Solution Focused Narrative Therapy
Designing a Different Relationship with Purpose!
I am blessed to have a chance to embrace work I genuinely enjoy! I aim to help couples, families, and individuals seek solutions to issues that ultimately lead to your "preferred future." Finding that "preferred future" may be learning to communicate with your spouse better, learning to heal and let go of past hurts and disappointments, or figuring out your purpose in what we call "life." This is done in a nonjudgmental, caring atmosphere. Whether you have tried therapy in the past, and for whatever reason, it did not go well for you, or whether you are thinking about treatment, everyone has always told you, 'Only the weak go to therapy.' Today, I invite you to silence the "noise" of others and listen to your true self. Do what is needed for you...find your strengths...find your hope... see You again!
In 2021, I received my Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Wesleyan University. My dissertation research focused on law enforcement couples and families, specifically relationships struggling with the demands of night shift work. 2008, I earned my Master of Science in Family Therapy from Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX. In 2001, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Family Therapy from Texas Woman's University. In addition to my Marriage & Family Therapist licensure, I am a retired police officer. I retired after serving 20 years as a public servant. My years as a sworn police officer include the city of North Richland Hills Police Department, Tarrant County College-Northeast Campus, and Arlington Detention Facility. My life as a public servant prepared me for the position of providing unconditional counseling to individuals, families, and couples.
I believe that ordinary people can triumph through extraordinary circumstances that feel impossible. I am humbled by every individual, family member, and couple who enters the doors seeking therapeutic services. The client is always greeted with a warm hello and a curious stance, believing the client is the expert in their life.
My therapeutic background and experiences include helping families, individuals, couples, and adolescents face some of life's most challenging and traumatic situations, such as coping with a breach of trust, facing the truths of infidelity, surviving domestic violence, and parents trying desperately to cope with teenage challenges. My primary mode of therapy is Solution Focused Narrative Therapy. My study abroad in London, England, in 2019 allowed me to practice and perfect the tools utilized in SFNT from Master Therapist Iverson, Ratner, and Linda Metcalf.
I own and found Eleven 150 Solutions Therapy Services, a private practice in Hurst, Texas, nearly 17 years ago. I supervise MFTs and am currently an AAMFT Supervisor-Candidate. I am an Adjunct Professor of the Graduate Counseling Department at Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, TX, and a Part-Time Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at National University.
I am a native of Stop Six, Texas. I attended Fort Worth public schools, graduating from Paul Lawrence Dunbar Senior High School, home of the Wildcats! Nearly 20 years ago, I married my best friend. We have three adult sons, one daughter-in-law, and five gorgeous grandchildren, coined "the fabulous 5". I love decorating, writing, attending yoga classes, and shopping!
Find your niche!
I look forward to meeting you!
Publications
Taylor-Smith, D. (2021). Exploring relationship satisfaction with Police Officers who work the night shift using Solution-Focused Narrative Therapy (Publication No. 28861542) [Doctoral dissertation, Texas Wesleyan University]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.
Memberships/Affiliations
Clinical Member of Association for Marriage & Family Therapy www.aamft.org
Member of Texas Association of Marriage & Family Therapists
www.tamft.org
Member of Psychology Today www.PsychologyToday.com
Member of Texas Municipal Police Association https://www.tmpa.org
Retired Peace Officer of Texas after serving 20 years combined services: Police Officer, DARE Officer, Detention Officer
Presentations
Presenter: 2023 Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Conference
Title of Presentation: Understanding First Responders: Helping the Helper
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Business