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Meet Dr. Judy Ho

Today we’d like to introduce you to Judy Ho.

Judy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began considering a career in psychology when I worked as a volunteer in the Big Brother Big Sister program and realized how much impact a person can have on another just by being there, consistently showing up, and being a good role model. My mentee at the time was ten years of age and had been through 12 foster homes. Although I didn’t have any expertise, I realized that by being a consistent positive force in her life, I was able to help her to begin to trust people again, to flourish and thrive in school and social interactions, and to reach the goals she set for herself.

Fast forward two decades and change later, and I’m now triple board-certified and licensed Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, a tenured Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, and published author, most recently penning “Stop Self-Sabotage,” published by HarperCollins in August 2019; a book detailing a scientifically driven six-step program which has been translated into seven additional languages around the world. I maintain a private practice in Manhattan Beach, CA where I specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and expert witness work. I regularly appear as an expert psychologist on television, podcasts, radio, and contributes to other media including print and electronic periodicals. I was a co-host on the syndicated daytime television talk show “The Doctors,” co-host of CBS’s Face the Truth and current host of The SuperCharged Life podcast produced by Stage 29 Podcast Productions.

I’m an avid researcher and is a two-time recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health Services Research Award. I host an active research program to improve mental health care for high-need populations and is the chair of the Institutional Review Board at Pepperdine University. My treatment approaches integrate the scientific principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I often speak at national and local events including research, clinical, and corporate conferences and workshops for organizations and schools.

I received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Business Administration from UC Berkeley and my master’s and doctorate from SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. I completed a National Institute of Mental Health sponsored fellowship at UCLA’s Semel Institute.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are many mistakes and failures along the way of any entrepreneur journey and the path towards reaching bigger goals in life is always going to be wrought with challenges. But if you remember why you are pursuing your goals, then it is much easier to stay the course and persevere. It’s about not becoming overly discouraged and learning from these challenges, and I think when I look at the mentors and success stories around me, they have done the same in their lives as well.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am most proud of being a person who can help destigmatize mental illness and provide scientific information to the public in a way that is digestible and practical, that can be used right away to improve their lives. My social media, podcast, and other public-facing work such as TV, radio, and print article contributions are all about making mental health and wellness information accessible to anyone, regardless of income, race, or background.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think I have been the beneficiary of being at the right place at the right time and being afforded opportunities, but it’s all about what you make of those opportunities that create success. I work really hard to make sure that when these opportunities present themselves, that I can earn and deserve them and do the best quality work possible. It’s what has garnered me a lot of word-of-mouth referrals in my TV work as well as my private practice and patient-facing work.

Pricing:

  • My Stop Self-Sabotage Book is available for $18.50 (Hardcover), $12 (Audiobook), and $11 (Kindle).

Contact Info:


Image Credit:

Dana Patrick Photography for headshots

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