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Dr. Meleeka Clary is a distinguished professional whose career is marked by an extraordinary blend of expertise across multiple fields, including clinical psychology, law, education, and the arts. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Clary brings a unique perspective to her practice, enriched by her diverse experiences in mental health and her deep understanding of the human condition. Her commitment to advocacy and social justice is evident not only in her work with mentally challenged patients but also in her transition from a career in criminal justice to mental health—a move driven by her desire to create meaningful change. In addition to her impactful work in psychology, Dr. Clary is also an accomplished filmmaker, using her creative talents to explore and address complex social issues. Her film, “Three Corners of Deception,” which has garnered awards at various film festivals, stands as a testament to her ability to intertwine her artistic vision with her psychological insights. Dr. Clary’s dedication to education, both as a professor and a lifelong learner, further enhances her ability to connect with and support her clients, making her a truly holistic and compassionate practitioner
Your career journey is incredibly diverse, spanning mental health, law, education, and the arts. How have your experiences in these different fields influenced your approach to clinical psychology?
I share the challenges I’ve faced in each profession with my clients. By helping others understand things I wish I had known before entering these fields, I believe I can provide valuable tools for personal growth. I truly believe in the saying, “sharing is caring.”
At HMWP Psychology Counseling, you specialize in working with mentally challenged patients. Can you share some of the unique challenges and rewards of this work, and how you approach building trust and communication in therapeutic settings?
It’s crucial to have strong communication and listening skills. For example, I make it a point to show my clients that I’m actively listening by paraphrasing what they say. This approach allows the client to hear my interpretation of their words, almost like a reflection of their story, ensuring they feel understood and validated.
You’ve directed and starred in your own film, “Three Corners of Deception,” which has won awards at multiple film festivals. How does your creative work in film and entertainment intersect with your practice in psychology? Do you find that these fields inform each other in any way?
Creating and starring in “Three Corners of Deception” was incredibly challenging, but it also served as a therapeutic outlet for me. It allowed me to process and release the fear, depression, anxiety, and anger I was experiencing at the time. I believe I used positive psychology in my writing, which helped me transform my personal struggles into creative expression.
You transitioned from a career in criminal justice and law to mental health, a significant pivot. What inspired you to make this change, and how has your background in law contributed to your effectiveness as a clinical psychologist?
I experienced judicial corruption firsthand and felt powerless because I wasn’t an attorney, judge, or police officer. However, as a civilian who believes in human rights, fairness, and justice, I decided to use my voice to challenge these injustices. My background in law has empowered me to contribute to social change, and as a clinical psychologist, I strive to create a safe space for individuals to feel mentally secure, especially when they’ve been victims of manipulation and abuse by the judicial system.
Given your extensive involvement in education, both as a teacher and through your academic achievements, what role do you believe education plays in mental health treatment and awareness? How do you incorporate educational elements into your practice with patients?
As a college professor, I’ve had the opportunity to educate individuals who might not have continued their education beyond grade school. I chose to continue my education because I wanted to deepen my understanding of how people think and to better help them solve their problems. Mental health is as important as physical health, and a decline in mental health can lead to physical health issues. I am deeply interested in how the human mind works, and it has always intrigued me to learn how individuals make decisions, whether positive or negative.
