About

Elydia P. Ketchens-Smith, Psy.D. is a Licensed Professional Christian Therapist credentialed through the American Association of Christian Therapists (A.A.C.T.), Senior Juvenile Probation Officer, Certified Life, Professional, and Christian Coach, Empowerment Speaker, Published Author, and Mentor. She is deeply devoted to walking alongside individuals and families as they experience emotional healing, spiritual renewal, and personal transformation through a Christ-centered and trauma-informed approach.

 

With a Doctorate in Biblical Psychology and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Juvenile Justice from Southern University at New Orleans, Elydia has faithfully served the needs of youth and families in the Juvenile Justice System for over 20 years. She has also worked for more than four years as a Mental Health Professional, offering trauma-informed therapy for at-risk youth and families impacted by crisis, brokenness, and generational pain.

 

Elydia specializes in trauma-informed Christian counseling, with a particular passion for helping women navigate divorce recovery, emotional healing, grief, identity restoration, and major life transitions. As a mentor and coach, she provides faith-based support to women who are rebuilding their lives after heartbreak, rejection, betrayal, and loss—reminding them that God still has a purpose and a plan for their future. She believes healing is possible through biblical truth, emotional awareness, and a renewed relationship with God.

 

Called to empower others for kingdom impact, Elydia helps individuals develop the insight to see themselves through God’s eyes—whole, worthy, and destined for more. Her mission is to create safe, Spirit-led spaces where people can be restored, realigned, and released into their God-given purpose.

 

Elydia has served as an advocate on numerous boards and committees advancing youth empowerment and juvenile justice reform, including the Juvenile Justice Reform Committee (JDAI), Annie E. Casey Foundation Workgroup, Jefferson Parish Children Youth and Planning Board, and Athlos Academy of Jefferson Board.

 

A recently remarried mother of four and proud “Gigi,” Elydia shares her personal testimony of healing and redemption to encourage others—especially women walking through similar valleys. In 2019, she was honored with the Beyond the Book Media People's Choice Award for her powerful storytelling and encouragement to women of faith.

 

Her published works include contributions to Suddenly Single Divorced Moms: 30-Day Devotional 2, the intercessory guide Prayer Closet: A Mother’s Prayers for Our Children (2020), Speak Up…We Deserve to Be Heard (2021), and 31-Day Biblical Affirmation Devotional for Women (2023), which serves as a daily tool of encouragement for women healing through God’s Word.

 

Elydia’s voice and message have been shared on multiple platforms including: Speak Up Sis Bookshelf, The Get Up Movement, Kingdom Connections Radio Show, Rock Your Girl Power, Marriage 2 Mindset, Flourish: It’s Time to Unleash Your Uniqueness, the Suddenly Single Divorced Moms Retreat, and the D.O.V.E. – Victim to Valor Virtual Summit.