MSA Therapist- A Look Into Doc Holliday

by: Myla Laws, Bethany Perry, Kaleigh Thornton

Greg “Doc” Holiday has been a part of MSA since the 1990’s. When asked when exactly he started, he stated that he “wished he could remember”. Doc plays a major role here as a mental health consultant. He is now retired after working at Mizzou for twenty eight years as a psychologist and while he has worked at MSA for decades, 2022 is his first year working full time. He says this was largely based on outdated misconceptions about mental health. There is still a stigma about mental health and getting treatment but that stigma is being broken by people of all different backgrounds all over the world. Now more than ever there is representation on social media, in cinema, and in the school environment. There are multiple parades, organizations and programs all aimed at the goal of making mental health something that kids and adults can talk about and receive treatment for. Now he chooses to work with scholars from all over Missouri during the academy to help them with their problems and issues.

Doc categorizes his work as helping with adjustments, growth, and mental health. The academy lasts three weeks (twenty-one days) and during this time many scholars deal with homesickness and a longing for the comfort of familiar things. While the academy is a wonderful experience, it does take time to adjust to the rigid (and sleepless) schedule. Doc is able to help with those issues and help scholars adjust to their new environment.

The growth section of his work is focused on scholars' revelations. For the first time in many of the scholars' lives they are surrounded by peers that are like them. This can lead to them discovering new things about themselves. The Cor-PSD class is also known for helping scholars look deep inside to find new things and become self-aware. Doc helps by guiding the scholars to a healthy mindset to tackle the problems or issues they discover

Doc also works with scholars who suffer from mental health issues, whether they existed prior to the academy or manifested during the academy. He is able to be there for them when they are away from their family, friends and their therapist . He talked about the extra struggles that gifted kids can have- which is a topic that has been researched and proven. According to the National Association For Gifted Children; "About 10% of gifted adolescents experience clinically significant levels of depression. Suicide attempts occur more frequently among youths who are artistic and creative, unusually sensitive, and who attend highly competitive and selective schools."

This was the third time Doc was interviewed by reporters at MSAN, each time he expresses new knowledge and ideas to consider. He is easy to talk to and an all around amazing person. If you are struggling with anything- please go talk with Doc.