Brenda Mejia-Smith, Ph.D. Pronouns she/her/hers/ella Title Psychologist Office Phone 609-258-3141 Fax 609-258-7636 Email [email protected] Office McCosh Health Center, Third Floor Bio/Description Education Teachers College, Columbia University, Ph.D. Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A. Trinity University, B.A. Certification Licensed Psychologist, New York & New Jersey Internship Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY Bio I am passionate about helping students cultivate their strengths, self-compassion, and authenticity. I believe that life’s obstacles and transitions are opportunities for growth and healing. As an immigrant from El Salvador, I especially enjoy working with marginalized, first-generation, and low-income students who are navigating the challenges and opportunities of higher education. My psychotherapeutic approach is warm, culturally responsive, and rooted in social justice. I integrate techniques from various psychological frameworks to provide individualized therapy for emotional struggles and mental health disorders. I lead the Latinx Tigers therapy group for undergraduate students and I am a member of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee at UHS. My volunteer activities include serving as a Role Model at HISPA (Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement). Services Counseling and Psychological Services Professional Interest Advocacy and social justice Anxiety Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Couples counseling Depression Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Disordered eating Diversity and inclusion Education/Training First-generation student experience Graduate students Group therapy Identity LGBTQIA+ experiences Mind/Body health Relationships Social influences on health Trauma Language Spanish