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Debra Taylor-Smith, Ph.D., MFT-S, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, EMDR Trained Therapist by EMDRIA Approved Training, 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 from everyday life—primary therapy mode: An Affirmative Therapy practice. All people are welcome without fear of judgment or discrimination.
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 their "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 on relationships struggling with the demands of night-shift work. In 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 20 years of public service. My years as a sworn police officer include service with the North Richland Hills Police Department, Tarrant County College-Northeast Campus, and the 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 enter 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 Therapists Iverson, Ratner, and Linda Metcalf.
I am an EMDR-trained therapist through EMDRIA-approved training. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy) is a trauma-focused therapy that helps clients' brains get "unstuck" from past trauma or recent traumatic situations. This extensive training is helpful for anyone, including first responders, war veterans, and everyday people such as caretakers of loved ones who suffer with debilitating diagnoses, grief and loss, and even infidelity.
I founded Eleven 150 Solutions Therapy Services, a private practice in Hurst, Texas, nearly 17 years ago. I supervise MFTs and am currently an AAMFT-approved supervisor. 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 and graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar Senior High School, home of the Wildcats! Twenty-one years ago, I married my best friend. We have three adult sons, one daughter-in-law, and six gorgeous grandchildren, coined "the sensational 6". I love decorating, writing, attending yoga classes, and shopping!
Find your niche!
I look forward to meeting you! All people are welcome without fear of judgment or discrimination!
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 the 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
Affirmative Therapy practice