ABOUT MY WORK

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Dr. Patrick Hudgins graduated from Old Dominion University with a BS in psychology (’94); Virginia State University, under the leadership and supervision of Dr. Florence S. Farley, with a MS in Clinical Psychology (’99); and The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology (Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, & the College of William and Mary) with a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology (’05).

Patrick is trained as a generalist in clinical psychology. He assisted individuals with a variety of concerns and presentations. In addition, Patrick received advanced training in Family Therapy under the supervision of Dr. J. Patrick Dorgan (who worked closely with Jay Haley, founder of Strategic Family Therapy). 

Patrick takes an unconditional and humanistic approach to understanding people as individuals striving to realize their full potential. Patrick’s interventions are designed to assist individuals with gaining insight, managing their needs, and making change in their lives. In some instances, Patrick helps individuals develop strategies of resistance to offset the various forms of marginalization and social injustice they may encounter in their lives.   

Patrick has worked with young adults attending college for 16 years, and in a variety of settings treating mental health concerns for another 8 years, prior to that. As a clinician, Patrick’s interests included: individual therapy, family of origin concerns, recognition and rejection of the many forms of racism, prejudice, & discrimination, the relationship between solo status and stereotype threat on academic performance, LGBTQ+ concerns, ADD/ADHD coaching, chronic pain, and identity development.

Recently, because of his own compromised health condition, he has become interested in the connection between stress and chronic and debilitating health issues because of our poor responses to 1. identifying stress in our lives and 2. addressing the stress in our lives in an adaptive manner. Consequently. Health and Wellness has become the primary focus of our programming.

Living to LIve is the new name of the Health and Wellness division supported by The Drummer's Beat LLC. The rebranding was made to provide clarity and emphasize the main objective of the services offered by the organization -- encouraging individuals and families to be healthy to thrive and live their best lives with purpose and meaning. 

Living to Live seeks to expand its presence by promoting Health and Wellness with the addition of Coachng and Consultation Services and a YouTube Channel.

KIDNEY TRANSPLANT UPDATE

On April 21, 2026 at 1:20 am, I was contacted by the VCU Health Hume-Lee Transplant Center and made an offer to receive a kidney from a donor. I accepted the offer and made my way to the VCU Hospital in Richmond, VA by 5 am.

By Tuesday afternoon, I was prepped for surgery. The operation was successful, and I woke up in my hospital room with a transplanted kidney after 5 years of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

I am so grateful and thankful for all God has done for me through out this process. I would like to thank the family who made the decision to donate their loved one's kidney after he passed away. I can't imagiine what that experience was like for them. Your decision has significantly changed my life.

I want to recognize the special people in my life for their love, compassion, and support over the past 5 years. Your calls, text messages wth positive affirmations, visits, rides to doctor appointments, meals, and assistance with maintaining my home were greatly appreciated. Your kindness and concern kept me lifted and kept me in good spirits. 

I am forever grateful.

I want to recognize the surgeons, nephrologists, nurses, support staff, the pre-kidney coordinator and support staff, the pre-surgery team, and the post-surgery team who provided medical care to me. Everyone has been and continues to be professional, caring, and compassionate. They are making sure my recovery is going smoothly and that all my needs are being met. The kidney aftercare team will provide ongoing care: treatment, monitoring, and medication management for the rest of my life. I am very appreciative of their efforts.

Patrick is also working on a documentary detailing his experience and reactions to being diagnosed with a chronic health condition entitled: “BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE: Kidney Failure - Identifying and Reducing the Silent and Deadly Consequences of Poorly Managed Stress.”

It is his hope that identifying and illuminating the effects of this factor will enable individuals to better manage their stress through adaptive coping strategies to prevent debilitating medical outcomes.