Meet Aiereal Lloyd, Chrysalis Center’s new Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

We are so excited to have Aiereal join our team at Chrysalis. As is our tradition, I asked Aiereal some questions to help us all get to know her better…

Did you have a career before becoming an NP? If so, what did you do?

I taught Preschool years ago, and I have a degree In Early childhood education. More recently, I have worked as a Nurse for ten years in many settings, including corrections, long-term care, home health, and at an Acute Care hospital on a medicine unit that housed behavioral health patients.

What is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part is the reward I get from helping someone feel better, whether with medications or just listening and being patient with them.

If you could go on an expenses-paid vacation anywhere, where would you go?

Back to Disney, I didn’t get to experience Disney as a child, and I went about three years ago and felt like a kid all over.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Free time, (HA) well, I have three kids – but I enjoy time with my family, friends, and BF- movies, playing games., listening to music (I love music)

What would you like clients to know before their first appointment with you?

Relax and trust the process. I would want them to see that they are in a safe environment, a

non-judgmental zone. The first appt can be from 30mins -1hr; I will listen to their symptoms and concerns; there are usually many questions to get through as we work through the steps of their treatment plan.

In addition to her kind response to our inquiry, Aiereal wrote some Medication Management Tips for all of us.

It has taken years to finally get to a place where medications are accepted for their role in treating mental health disorders. For far too long the stigma that medications may suppress symptoms rather than treat the problem has caused fear amongst many regarding the need for this important treatment option. Research has shown that medications play a significant role in improving mental health, especially when combined therapy. Combined treatment may not be accessible to all as cost, benefit, time, and limited resources are a factor resulting in the use of therapy alone or medications alone. However, we know that psychotherapy can enhance the effectiveness of medications by improving compliance with medication and addressing issues that the medication cannot.

 Medications will work on one of the three neurotransmitters and should not change your personality, make you “crazy,” or make you feel like someone or something other than you. If you aren’t feeling like yourself, you should talk to your prescriber about it.

 Understand that:

1. It is your personal choice to utilize a medication to treat a mental health issue.
2. Medication is often not permanent, but it does require consistency to be effective.
3. It is essential to continue therapy, positive behaviors, and coping skills while taking medications.
4. Allow your child to collaborate about their care, keeping them involved in the process.
5. Remember, the road to finding the right medication may be a tough and timely one—trust the process; it may be hard but it will be worth it.
6. There is no right or wrong answers You have the option to start and stop a medication- but consult with your prescriber first before doing so.

Aiereal is currently accepting appointment for individuals ages 5 and up. Please call Chrysalis Center to schedule your appointment. 910-790-9500