Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Peterson Samantha Wilson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We (Tara Peterson, Psy.D, and Samantha Wilson, Psy.D., LCSW) first met while completing their pre- and post- doctoral fellowships and bonded over their mutual love for the brain. We both shared a passion for understanding how everything in the body works together. We’re fascinated by the ways different systems in the body interact, and how symptoms that may seem unrelated to mental health can actually offer important insight into someone’s overall well-being. The body is very connected, so one symptom may be linked to something completely different which may go undetected.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We (Tara Peterson, Psy.D, and Samantha Wilson, Psy.D., LCSW) first met while completing their pre- and post- doctoral fellowships and bonded over their mutual love for the brain. We both shared a passion for understanding how everything in the body works together. We’re fascinated by the ways different systems in the body interact, and how symptoms that may seem unrelated to mental health can actually offer important insight into someone’s overall well-being. The body is very connected, so one symptom may be linked to something completely different, which may go undetected.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At NeuroEvolve Health, we do not approach assessment as a simple yes-or-no checklist and we do not solely focus on one specific diagnosis; instead, we take that time to understand our patient’s experiences, symptoms, and roadblocks getting in the way to accomplishing their goals. This allows us to design a tailored evaluation process that leads to a more comprehensive understanding and ultimately guides us in identifying the most supportive next steps for that person’s unique journey. We both share that philosophy of wanting to really take the time to get to know the patients we work with, many of whom this may be their second or even third evaluation because previous treatment plans haven’t worked, or they feel they still haven’t gotten all the answers they are looking for.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Stay curious! The field of psychology is always evolving, so it is important to keep up with research and tailor your services to reflect new knowledge. Curiosity also applies to the people you work with. Taking the time to really hear their concerns and experiences can provide insight that might otherwise be overlooked. It can be tempting when starting out to focus on labels, specific diagnoses, or quick answers, but the real growth comes from understanding the whole person; casting a wide net and then narrowing in leads to a clearer picture and more meaningful support. Some of our most valuable learning has come from collaborating with each other and with other providers. Surround yourself with mentors and colleagues who share your passion and who will challenge your thinking in supportive ways. We love to connect with providers in other fields as well (audiologists, optometrists, etc.) to really bridge that gap between specialties and view the whole person — don’t be afraid to reach out to providers in your area and be curious about their work!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.neuroevolvehealth.com/
