Staff Spotlight: Khamaria Wright, LMFT – Clinical Director

In this Staff Spotlight, meet Clinical Director, Khamaria Wright, LMFT. Khamaria was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and moved to Nashville, TN where she earned her bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University and her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Lipscomb University.

While completing her master’s degree, Khamaria found a passion working with people and helping them seek change. Following the completion of her master’s program, Khamaria gained experience in community mental health which allowed her to work with young men, women, individuals, couples, and families. In her free time, Khamaria enjoys traveling and connecting with her family and friends.

What drew you to this field?

I attended Tennessee State University and majored in Sociology and minored in Psychology. What most people don’t know about me is that I initially went to school to become an entertainment attorney. I quickly realized that studying law didn’t fulfill me. I always knew that I was destined to help people. When I decided that I no longer wanted to be an attorney, I read some information about Marriage and Family Therapy. I was fascinated by Lipscomb’s Marriage and Family Therapy program and all that it had to offer. I applied and was accepted, the rest is history.

Why are you passionate about helping people with severe mental illnesses?

I am passionate about helping people with severe mental illness because I feel that society struggles to show empathy to those facing mental health challenges. I want to make a difference in shifting the stigma that society puts on mental illness.

I’m passionate about helping people seek change, even if they don’t know how to reach their desired goal. I’m also passionate about showing up and meeting individuals and families where they are in their own process.

What modalities do you use when working with clients? Do you have a favorite and why?

I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. I feel empowered when I am helping individuals and families shift negative thought processes about how they see themselves and how others see them.

Solution-Focused Therapy prevents clients from becoming bogged down by the “problem” and allows them to focus on solutions. This modality is my favorite because as the therapist, I take the role of being the cheerleader or coach in the therapy room.

What do you wish more people knew about your profession?

I wish more people knew that those who struggle with severe mental illness are not “weak.” What fills my cup is getting to know individuals for who they are and reminding them that the mental illness doesn’t define them. Showing up as my authentic self allows clients to feel safe enough to be vulnerable and let their guards down because they don’t feel judged. Since working in this field, I’ve learned that individuals who struggle with severe mental illness seek connections and want to feel seen.

What makes you excited to be a part of the BrightQuest family?

I love so many things about the BrightQuest family. The part that I love most is that you’re not only growing professionally, but also personally. I’ve learned over the years the importance of using my voice and building relationships. Coming from past work trauma, BrightQuest has been a major part of my healing journey. I know that when I show up my peers believe in me and trust me to guide and lead the facility. I feel seen and heard. I can’t thank BrightQuest enough for believing in me, when 5 years ago I was struggling with believing in myself.