Dr. Deitra Hickey’s informative and interesting talks provide everyday solutions for personal growth, change and improvement for everyone.
Dr. Deitra Hickey was always drawn to the psychology of human behavior and wanted to be part of the solution for growth, change and improvement within people and society overall. Her first job was as a school teacher in the Toledo Public Schools and she was always open to learn what her students needed to overcome any emotional barriers in their learning ability. As a teacher, she spent as much time counseling as teaching and so she returned to school to earn a Master’s degree in counselling. However, over time she realized that it was the principal of the school who got to deal with the kids that really needed counseling, so she returned to school to get her PhD and became a school principal.
Because Deitra experienced a significant amount of adversity as a child, she understood the circumstances that affect emotional trauma and instigate misguided behaviors.
When she was 11-years-old, she witnessed her parents being shot, multiple times, during a home invasion. Although neither parent was mortally wounded, her father was instantly paralyzed and her mother, who had been shot in three locations was severely affected from the trauma. Previously diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, her mother became progressively worse and ultimately became paralyzed.
Deitra was not only a witness to this tragedy but became a caregiver for two invalid parents when she was just a child herself.
These events did leave her somewhat bitter, but she knew she had a choice to make.
“Would I use the adversity as a crutch and go in one direction, or would I use it to strengthen me and really try to make an impact and profound difference on other people that are struggling with resilience and need to find that glimmer of hope.”
With this background of understanding, she used her experience in dealing with her own emotions to help others in one-on-one counseling sessions.
Ten years ago, she opened Serenity Health and Wellness Center to offer her counseling services as well as provide an array of services focused on mental, emotional and physical health. The concept of total wellness services fits perfectly with her overall life mission.
As more people have come to know Dr. Hickey through visits to Serenity Health and Wellness, they began to request her as a speaker at various functions. Deitra found that speaking opened a new avenue to reach more people and spread her message of finding hope even in the worst situations.
Currently, she is in demand as a speaker and addresses two-three groups per month. In 2019, she intends to expand her speaking engagements to reach even more people with her message of inspiration and hope.
As her speaking engagements have become more frequent, she realized that everyone is dealing with overall stress management and finding work-life balance that affects the bottom line of their place of employment. Companies are now realizing that addressing the stresses that are affecting the mental, as well as, physical health of their employees makes good business sense.
“Stress and Life Balance is a topic that has no gender or age or affiliation. It affects everyone. I’ve spoken to 7th graders, who have so more stresses in their life, than ever before. And then there are women, single moms, financial advisors, lawyers, doctors and social workers. I’ve spoken to so many different groups that face similar every day stress that is affecting their overall health.”
In her efforts to spread her inspiring message, she published her first book, “Fearless: Strength, Faith and Positivity in the Eyes of Adversity.” The book was inspired by the attitude, resilience and faith of a dear friend of hers, who was waging an intense battle with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. The purpose of the book is to help encourage other people to maintain a positive attitude, perspective and resilience, regardless of the adversity they may be facing. According to Deitra, this is not necessarily for a diagnosis, but for any life adversity; learning the simple strategies is helpful so that when they do get a really big life change or huge bump in the road, they’re better prepared to live life to the fullest regardless.
Plus, more literary efforts from Dr. Hickey will be available in 2019.
The next book release, in February 2019, will feature the affects physical, mental and emotional stress can have on one’s body. It will feature methods to identify and manage stress, as well as, tips to focus on a more positive life and keep undue life stress at bay.
For her own de-stressing, Deitra enjoys competitive volleyball. She and her husband of 22 years both compete, plus they enjoy loading up in an RV, along with their dog, and traveling the country.
She enjoys being involved in her community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Maumee Chamber of Commerce. She also provides free counseling to military veterans and their families. On top of all of that she also volunteers at her church and other networking groups and is the founder of the non-profit, Ruthie’s Angels, that provides free services to cancer patients who are in need.
She has also hosted several events with her latest being the upcoming, “A Women’s Empowerment Night Out.” The event is to be a girl’s night out (men can attend as well) with fun and laughter but also will provide strategies to create a proper life balance for single moms, working mothers and women in general. Women are encouraged to attend with their family, friends and co-workers, for a social night out, with a powerful message.
Deitra learned early in her life to take control and succeed, through focusing on the positives in her life. Her message and story assists and encourages others to accept life’s challenges, find the proper perspective and become strengthened and empowered, rather than become a victim who feels powerless.
Although her message is very serious, she uses humor to be relatable. She has spoken to groups of over 2,500, as well as, small luncheon gatherings. Regardless of size, her passion and enthusiasm remains constant.
Deitra can tailor her talks to fit several situations. Perspective & Balance, Overall Health & Wellness, Stress Reduction, Work/Life Balance, Relationship Building, Business Strategic Planning, Leadership and Motivational Encouragements are a few of her themed topics.
Through her speaking engagements and writing, she continues to bring the message of attaining life balance to everyone and help those suffering from too much stress in their life to find their true balance.
To learn more about Dr. Deitra Hickey or contact her visit: https://deitrahickey.com/ or call to arrange a consultation at: 419-891-2181.
