Some people choose a major and know exactly what they want their career to be even before they enter college. Others like to leave the door open to unexpected opportunities that will eventually bring clarity. Christina Jones, a licensed counselor for Student Health and Well-Being, places herself in the latter camp.
Jones followed in her sister’s footsteps to attend the University of South Carolina, where she double majored in psychology and Spanish.
“Once I graduated, I thought, “What do I do now?” Jones says. “Some people just know, but even with a psychology degree, I hadn’t thought I’d be a therapist.”
She took a job in the insurance field, knowing that wasn’t her passion. To explore a different interest, she planned to volunteer with hospice care.
“The person who interviewed me told me about the Counseling and Rehabilitation Program at USC’s School of Medicine, and it sparked my interest,” Jones says. “I didn't end up volunteering with hospice. I ended up enrolling in a graduate program, and I fell in love with it very quickly.”
In 2009, Jones completed her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and a certificate in psychiatric counseling and began working in alcohol and drug rehabilitation. She later transitioned to Counseling and Psychology Services (CAPS) at her alma mater, where she has worked with USC students for the past 11 years, providing individual, couples and group therapy and specializing in work with neurodivergent clients.
The program prepared me to be a well-rounded clinician with training to work with a wide variety of clients, challenging cases and invisible disabilities. I really love working with the student population. Because they are seeking therapy voluntarily, they are often more engaged and motivated.
Her work with neurodivergent individuals and openness to new opportunities led to a presentation at this week’s inaugural TEDxCongaree Vista. She is one of 16 speakers from across the Midlands – including local leaders, nonprofit founders, educators and doctors – for the March 14 event at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
The program is spearheaded by a group of USC students and comes more than 10 years after the most recent edition in the Midlands. Independent TEDx programs have been staged around the country since 2009, with annual events in Charleston and Greenville, in addition to the larger TED Talks that began in 1984.
Jones will present her lecture, "When the World is Too Loud: Creating Spaces for Belonging," in the “Building Belonging” session, one of four for the event with an overall them of change makers.
“I love TED talks. I often incorporate them into my practice with clients. I was inspired when I attended the TEDx event here 10 years ago,” she says. “So when I saw the TEDx call for change makers, I decided to be brave and submit a proposal.
Once she decided to apply, the selection process involved a lengthy application, interviews and an outline of the proposed talk. She says she drew from her public speaking experiences at conferences and other presentations to make the cut from 260 applications to 40 finalists and finally to one of the 16 speakers selected for this week’s event.
Her talk will highlight the need for better understanding and support for neurodivergent individuals, who often face mislabeling and being judged negatively.
“I identify as someone who's neurodivergent, and I know what it's like to be misunderstood,” Jones says. “A lot of my clients feel like they don’t have a platform to share their experiences.”
She will specifically address sensory challenges – such as noise, smells and light – faced by neurodivergent individuals. She adds that sensory sensitivity also can be caused by anxiety or chronic pain.
“All those things that neurotypical people can tune out come in at the same volume people with a hyperactive nervous system,” Jones says. “Everybody can relate to being overstimulated, but not everyone can relate to having sensory overload most of the time. Our brains are having to work double time to filter out what's not important.”
She will share ways to create inclusive environments such as lowering the volume for music or media, dimming lights, reducing the amount of stimuli in a room or office, or being considerate when heating food in a shared space.
“I'm honored to be the advocate on stage for this event, and I’m proud to represent some of the amazing work of our multi-disciplinary team at Student Health and Well-being,” Jones says. “We strive to provide a supportive, student-centered environment, including accommodations for sensory sensitivities.”
Though TEDxCongaree Vista is sold out for in-person seating, the event will be available to stream live on March 14. More information is available at tedxcongareevista.com.