Interview with David R. Parker, Ph.D.
CRG is pleased to welcome Dr. Tramaine Presley, Psy.D. to our team. Dr. Presley is a psychologist who is already seeing patients for testing, therapy, and consultation services. She earned her doctorate at Wright State University School of Professional Psychology in Dayton, Ohio. We invite you to learn more about her by visiting the CRG website and reading her responses to the following questions.
Dr. Parker: Why did you pursue a career in psychology?
Dr. Presley: I decided to pursue a career in psychology at a very young age after a countless number of friends and classmates sought me out for advice. Offering support and building relationships with others came very naturally to me so, I further looked into the field of psychology. Going into high school, I knew I was going to be a psychologist. As I began seeing clients, I discovered I had a way of creating a sense of safety and knew that I had chosen the right career path.
DP: Can you summarize your work experience prior to joining CRG?
Dr. Presley: Prior to joining CRG, I have worked in a variety of clinical settings. My clinical work began in community mental health, where I provided clinical support to children, adolescents, families, and adults. I often saw clients in a community-based clinic as well as in schools and day care centers. I also acquired clinical experiences as an individual and family therapist at a residential treatment facility to adjudicated adolescent males. Following that experience, I worked in a school-based clinical setting, providing therapy (individual, group, and family), consultation, and assisting with Individual Education Plan (IEP) development. I also attained clinical experience in a behavioral health hospital, seeing mostly children but also adolescents, and adults.
DP: Here at CRG, what are your specialty areas and what kinds of patients will you mostly see?
Dr. Presley: I am trained to work across populations and have acquired clinical experiences to do so. I primarily work with children, adolescents, and families, but also spend part of my time working with adults (ages 18-40). I specialize in family therapy and enjoy working alongside with parents to minimize familial stress, resolve familial conflicts, and strengthen familial relationships. I enjoy working with children and adolescents with disruptive behaviors, emotional dysregulation, and inter/intrapersonal difficulties. I enjoy working with adults with relational and mood (anxiety and depression) difficulties. I have acquired unique and intense training in diversity and multiculturalism and welcome clients from diverse backgrounds, especially those who come from marginalized and oppressed groups.
DP: Can you summarize a philosophy or belief system that underscores your work?
Dr. Presley: “I am because we are and because we are, I am.” The African philosophy, Ubuntu, accurately reflects my compassion for people and my responsibility to community. I understand that all individuals, regardless of race, age, gender, sex, class, and disability status, are interconnected through our humane experiences. When others feel broken and dehumanized because of their humane experiences, it’s impactful to the community at large. As a result, I am dedicated and committed to building collaborative partnerships with clients to create change and promote healing. As an extension of my community, I strive to be welcoming, hospitable, warm and generous, and always affirming of others.
DP: What was it about CRG that captured your interest/fueled your desire to work here?
Dr. Presley: My desire to work at CRG stemmed from the comprehensiveness of its treatment model. It is important for individuals to be able to receive comprehensive mental health treatment without having to go to several agencies to ensure that their needs get met. CRG serves as one-stop-shop to providing quality of care.
DP: When you’re not at CRG, what kinds of hobbies or activities do you most enjoy doing?
Dr. Presley: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching television/movies, exercising, listening to music and podcast, and traveling.
DP: Best book read in the past 2-3 years? Best vacation destination (from past trips or those still on your bucket list)?
Dr. Presley: The best book that I have read in the past few years would be The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. Thus far, my best vacation has been Punta Cana, located in the Dominican Republic. I absolutely love the sun, beach, and good company.
