Alumnus Danielle Graddick, BA ‘12, MA ‘14, is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist with her own private practice. An inaugural member of GW’s Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program, she discusses the process of launching her own practice and the rewarding work she does with clients of all backgrounds.
“Your greatest asset as a therapist or psychologist is embracing all that you don't know…We are always learning and growing, and the work never stops.”
Danielle Graddick
BA ‘12, MA ‘14
Where did you grow up, and how has your background influenced you today?
I grew up in Morristown, New Jersey. I often found myself at the intersection of privilege and oppression–my town is considered middle-to-upper-class, but is racially segregated and predominantly Caucasian. Growing up in New Jersey allowed me to attend an academically rigorous all-girls school that taught me the importance of integrity/values, public speaking, and leadership. My upbringing also taught me many painful lessons regarding race, gender, and discrimination. I made a promise to myself early on to process my experiences and use them to understand my clients and my community better.
Did you receive a scholarship at GW? If yes, how did your scholarship help you succeed?
I received an academic scholarship, which not only helped my family but also boosted my confidence and self-esteem as a young Black woman.
Tell us about your current professional role and how it excites you.
I am a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in New Jersey. In 2021, I started a private practice that's geared towards helping adolescents, adults, and couples navigate self-esteem or relational difficulties, trauma, or mood disorders. Many of my clients are from underserved populations. It is especially rewarding for me to work with women of color and help them feel validated and understood in a world that serves to diminish and minimize our lived experiences.
What accomplishment are you most proud of personally or professionally, and why?
I took a huge leap of faith to create a private practice, and it excites me daily to have the freedom to choose my own clients and create a life I have envisioned for myself for many years. I worked at many mental health sites over the years: psychiatric inpatient hospitals, jails, prisons, substance abuse programs, and outpatient programs. I was so used to normalizing burnout from seeing a high volume of cases (in many cases where lots of trauma is present), and the expectation was that I was supposed to help everyone equally. After many years of managing my own burnout and weighing the risks/benefits, I decided to begin the process of forming an LLC and marketing myself to my ideal client base. I feel very proud of my decision to be an entrepreneur and maintain a private practice in the midst of very uncertain and politically frightening times. I also feel proud that I am able to incorporate the use of a sliding scale in my practice, which gives clients access to high-quality mental health care regardless of their financial circumstances.
What is your only-at-GW moment? In other words, what is an experience/opportunity you believe GW provided you access to?
My only-at-GW moment happened when Barack Obama won the presidential election in November 2008! I will never forget how my friends and I ran out of our dorms straight to the White House to dance and celebrate the election of our first Black President. I will also never forget the evening when President Obama announced the death of Osama Bin Laden in May 2011. Similarly, friends and strangers alike ran to the White House to celebrate his announcement. It was surreal! Only GW could give students such close access to the White House.
Was there a standout course, professor, or organization from your time as a student that inspired your career path?
I was part of the inaugural class of the Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program at GW, established in 2012. Despite being a newly developed program, it provided a rigorous and meaningful foundation for my career in forensic psychology. I’m especially grateful to Dr. Richard Cooter, who both challenged and encouraged me to continue working in forensics. His mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping my professional direction. I can't thank him enough.
What is a piece of advice you would offer to students seeking to pursue your field of work?
There is so much to say here! Your greatest asset as a therapist or psychologist is embracing all that you don't know. College and graduate school often make students feel like they need to know it all, but people are inherently complex and are experts on themselves. We are always learning and growing, and the work never stops. I also highly recommend working on yourself and protecting your mental health as often as possible (i.e., great self-care, therapy). You will be a better and more effective clinician because of it.
What is a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?
I almost joined the FBI right after college, but ultimately realized I was more drawn to understanding people than investigating them. Therefore, I pursued graduate school in forensic psychology instead!
How do you give back to the GW community?
I donate to the Psychology Department within CCAS at GW when I am able. I also mentor students who attend GW and express interest in learning more about Psychology (or simply need help navigating the stress of college).
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the GW community?
I'm so incredibly grateful for my experience at GW. I cherish and maintain many relationships with people I met on campus during my time at GW. I also credit GW for helping me figure out my professional identity as a forensic and clinical psychologist.