Dr. Lula Drewes

It is only in our darkest hours.
that we may discover the true strength
of the brilliant light within ourselves
that can never, ever, be dimmed.
Doe Zantamata

I am a Clinical Psychologist with a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, licensed in the state of Massachusetts (MA 4422) and Berlin, Germany. I have extensive experience in clinical practice, consulting, and teaching, and am also licensed as a Wellness coach.
Most of the people I have encountered in my work are in some of their “darkest hours.” The main goal of my clinical practice has been to assist them in discovering and developing strengths which help rekindle the light within themselves.
I have had the privilege of developing warm, trusting, active and successful working relationships with many people over the years. After many years of work as a Clinical Psychologist, I continue to have a strong passion for this work which allows me to experience up close amazing human journeys from darkness to light, and to bear witness to the ingenuity, resilience, creativity, strength, and power of people.
My professional career has involved work with a wide diversity of individuals and groups across the age span and in a variety of environments; including private practice, family counseling, mental health facilities, and academic institutions, such as the University of Erlangen, Germany Mental Hospital, the Veteran’s Hospital Mental Health Unit, Nashville, TN, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, the Boston University Overseas Program in Germany, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, the Alice Solomon Technical University, Berlin, Germany, the Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development, Lexington, KY, and the US Army Health Clinic, Schweinfurt, Germany.
My specialties include anxiety, depression, stress and crisis management, trauma treatment, and multi-cultural issues. While I draw from a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness theory and practices are central to my work. I am certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
In addition to my clinical work, I regularly conduct seminars and workshops, addressing topics such as cognitive-behavioral psychology, coping strategies for foreigners in Germany, stress and anger management, Mindfulness, and Mental Health education. My passion for Mental Health education and promoting holistic well-being extends to my role as a writer and founder of Reach Well, an innovative Wellness program designed to empower individuals in their personal and professional lives.
I seek to establish with each client a safe, kind, respectful and accepting atmosphere in which we can hopefully build a trusting, collaborative, and supportive working relationship. The unique needs, desires, personality, personal styles, and preferences of clients provide central guidelines for my clinical decisions and interventions. However, my aim with each client to take them on a journey of healing and strength building which will: (1) reduce current emotional distress and maladaptive behaviour patterns, and (2) promote future mental health and well-being through increases in self-awareness, self-care, knowledge, coping skills, and resilience.
Native to Kentucky, I am the mother of two children and fluent in French and German languages. I have been a life-long active participant in both national and international service initiatives as evidenced by my volunteer work with the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Service, immigrant populations, and my prior role as a Peace Corps Volunteer, Tchad, Africa. I have been honored with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement award, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters by Transylvania University, Lexington, KY.