Meet Nona Perry | LMSW, Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nona Perry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nona, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I work with talented therapists committed to mitigating suffering and bringing social change in our spheres of influence. We do not believe in letting people suffer needlessly. We have all experienced life on its terms, and we know how to get through to the other side where we can live and thrive, which takes us further than just surviving. Each of us has our own well-rounded skills and specialties.

I specialize in trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Our experiences become our wisdom. I work with people suffering from all kinds of trauma, and it manifests itself in paralysis in one way or another in our lives. For example, anxiety, depression, loneliness, anger, fear of relationships, or the inability to get close to others, are just a few ways trauma impacts our lives. I use an extensive and eclectic array of treatment modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

My success comes from choosing to help individuals and couples become the best versions of themselves. I want people to live authentically and vibrantly in their lives; this is the focus after we address their suffering. I work with women struggling with life changes in groups called “Flourishing After Fifty.” I work with therapists needing processing groups, and I am creating new groups working with women only and men only who are the victims of domestic violence. These groups aim to enable those suffering in silence to know they are not alone, learn from each other, and begin trusting themselves. We go as deep as possible, where people do not usually go in different life situations.

Our mental health is vastly underrated in importance to our well-being. We too often feel stigmatized until we find the help we need. In this healing, we recognize how our mental health influences everyone we interact with daily. If we are healthy-minded, those around us and our community benefit. It is never too late for therapy, but the sooner, the better, so people do not suffer in silence and instead find the freedom to be themselves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Life was more difficult than becoming a therapist because everything I learned on my journey made this possible. At this stage, I have meaning and purpose. I believed I could take failure, loss, success, and the unknown and turn them all into hope. The possibilities are limitless because I know how small changes affect our lives.

We may not always realize it, but the truth is that life is difficult for everyone because of its unpredictability and messiness. I know we often spend years trying to find our authentic selves, and just like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, we discover it was always there. We can overcome difficult situations and circumstances by believing in something bigger than ourselves. We make decisions regarding our values, dreams, and the people we let into our lives daily. When we purposefully ensure they are all aligned, we begin living with purpose and choices that benefit every breath we take. These are some lessons I know and teach to others with compassion and understanding.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Fort Worth with a passion! Every section of town has its own personality and interests.

I like starting in the downtown area. Nothing is more beautiful than a lovely breeze on a clear evening at Sundance Square, with live music on the weekends, taking pictures, laughing, people-watching, and eating dinner at many wonderfully inviting places in the area — Like Del Frisco’s Grille, Mi Cocina’s, and the Istanbul Grill & Bar. The Water Gardens, with tiered walls and multiple pools, with cascading, quiet, or aerated waters, are a must-see.

We have world-class museums like the Kimble, Amon Carter, Fort Worth Science and History, and the Modern. The Fort Worth Zoo is impressive, especially with the new exhibits of the Predators of Asia and Africa. They have many programs, camps, and events that support conservation and education. The Fort Worth Botanical Gardens and the Japanese Gardens are must-see. Each is such a serene and peaceful oasis. Our walking, running, and bike trails are massive, and there are many different trails to enjoy daily. The Fort Worth Nature Center is another outdoor space that allows nature to flourish. They have many education programs, too.

Northside and near Southside are amazing alcoves of varied personalities and flavors. You must experience places like Joe T. Garcia’s, the Love Shake, Cattleman’s Steak House, the Longhorn Run (yes, we have longhorn cattle running through the stockyards), the John Wayne Museum, historic western stores, and the many live music at so many saloons, bars, and of course, Billy Bob’s. The near southside of Fort Worth is evolving, and the experiences are as varied and diverse as the people who own them.

Camp Bowie, Seventh Street, 8th Ave, Magnolia, and many other locations and connecting streets are fantastic to explore. We can’t forget the tea rooms, antique stores, and malls.

Don’t forget the barbeque everywhere in Fort Worth: Angelo’s, Heims, and Cousins. We have so many exceptional pit masters in town. We have some of the best craft beers, margaritas of every flavor, craft liquors, and wine selections worldwide.

The remarkable thing about Fort Worth is that you can custom order every experience for any guest visiting. Did I mention that I am passionate about Fort Worth? There is not enough time to say and remember all my favorite places.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My life has had the hand and guidance of many people who mentored, loved, and encouraged me at every stage of my journey. My mother, grandparents, and extended family were the first people who deserved credit and recognition. After them, the list is extensive. I cannot imagine naming every influential person I have known. My mother, sons, daughter-in-law, and grandsons remain my deepest well of love and support.

Let me name a few special people to me by their first names. They will know who they are. David, Amy, Donna, Peter, Kath, Camille, Jenny, Sherry, Johnny, Karen, Sondra, Jan, Deanna, Don, Mary, Kim, Joe, Rae, Valerie, Hanno, and Janine. There are many more, but these people represent the importance in my life of cultivating deep and meaningful relationships with others.

Regarding organizations and schools, I must recognize Tarrant County Community College, University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Wesleyan University, One Safe Place, Salzburg Global Seminar, Schloss Leopoldskron, and the group I work with now, Mindful Possibilities. People from these organizations have touched my life and many others positively.

Reflecting on my life, I recognize all the situations, circumstances, people, organizations, schools, and experiences that continue to shape me. Every experience becomes our wisdom reminding me of the sayings I heard from an elderly woman named Miss Lulu, “If you live, you will learn.” or “Live, and you will learn!”

Website: mindfulpossibilities.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonaperry_therapist/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092757952974

Image Credits
Photos by Amairani