“Wonder Woman is not a fictional character. Wonder Woman is a mindset.”
-Michelle A. Homme
Andrea and I scheduled a photoshoot to celebrate her recent birthday and if you haven’t already picked up by now, I absolutely LOVE when women decide to do a photoshoot simply because they are celebrating another year of life.
What better reason to get dolled up, dressed up, and strike a pose? I think it’s the best way to not only continue to own who they are as a woman but also to show the world that a woman’s beauty is timeless.
As we chatted and got to know each other during the styling of hair/makeup an her photoshoot, I learned that Andrea works as a forensic and clinical psychologist.
This incredibly smart woman (who, by the way, is a little over 5 feet tall with the sweetest smile) then proceeds to casually mention that her regular days at work involve visiting jails, prisons, and courtrooms utilizing her investigative skills and background in psychology.
I thought it was incredibly fascinating that Andrea has always wanted to be either a psychologist or a detective and worked her way to accomplish just that, in a field that I don’t often see a lot of women in.
I am so proud to share with you all a few images from Andrea’s photoshoot with Heartbox Photography as well as a little bit about her background, from Andrea herself!
Special thanks to Becky Lau of A Beautiful One Makeup for Andrea’s hair and makeup!
“As an adolescent, I wanted to be either a psychologist or detective. Mainly, I wanted to do something make the world a better place but also was fascinated with human behavior and emotions. So, I found forensic psychology!
It’s a wonderful combination of psychology and investigating why someone might have committed a crime and why.
Although I never liked school, I had a goal so I gained a doctorate and now have my own practice. I am hired by judges and attorneys to evaluate individuals who have been arrested for various crimes. I evaluate and administer psychological tests to help the court understand who they are, if they have a mental illness, substance abuse issue, their tendency for violence or sex offending, or psychopathy.
Sometimes, I need to testify in court which is stressful but also thrilling. It can be difficult and sad to hear of individuals abuse, poverty, and neglect in childhood.
Mental illness, substance use, and homelessness is so often misunderstood by our society. It is very rewarding to know that I can make a difference in these individual’s lives and assist their attorneys and the court to understand them and provide the treatment they need. I am also thankful to all the clients I’ve evaluated for sharing the stories of their lives with me.”
“Beauty is not being sexy or adored by others.
It can feel really good but beauty is how you treat others and make them feel.
Never compare yourself to others and trust your intuition.
Go live out loud in the world.”
Best advice you ever received?
“Life is not fair.
While this may sound negative, it helped me stop becoming upset or comparing my life to others.
Focus on what you have and be in the moment. This is the place of most joy and happiness.”
What do you appreciate most about your life now?
“I appreciate that I have learned that quality of friends is better than quantity. I like that I don’t feel the need to go out every evening can enjoy time at home with the love of my life with our pets. It’s nice to feel grounded.”
