I went to a show over the weekend. I expected to hear some good music and poetry. These expectations were exceeded when I received this letter on the merch table: After 8 Years of Facing my Own Mental Illness, by Shira.
Low-Cost Mental Health Resources
Here’s a list of 81 Mental Health Resources, including apps and community support groups.
Each program has it’s potential benefits. Taken as a whole, this list points out that MANY people are working individually and collectively to make this world a more accessible, responsible, and peaceful place. If you try one of these programs, I’d like to hear about your experience.
Additional Licensure
After completing a Clinical Supervision Training Plan this summer and passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam this October, I have achieved the highest level of licensure in my field: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
Consultation Form
Clients who would like me to consult with another service provider–for example a psychiatrist, school counselor, judge, previous counselor, or medical doctor–are welcome to complete this Release of Information form. It enables the client to describe what type of information they would like shared and to specify the consultation dates. In some situations, consultations boost the effectiveness of one or both practitioners. Clients are welcome to discuss specific consultation considerations with me.
Teaching Ethics Class
I am currently teaching Ethical and Professional Issues in Counseling at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In this class, we discuss client rights, counselor responsibilities, multicultural competence, and the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics.
New Overland Park Office
Feedback Informed Treatment
I am enlisting two new tools to build collaborative client relationships! The Outcome Rating Scale measures a client’s life satisfaction–and any positive or negative trends during the course of treatment. At the end of each meeting, clients use the Session Rating Scale to provide feedback about the meeting’s topics and methodology. These tools are associated with the International Center for Clinical Excellence. This evaluation process encourages transparency, accountability, and “custom-fit” rather than “cookie-cutter” therapy.
Celebrating 4 Years
My independent business turned 4 this year.
Trauma & the Nervous System
This video describes autonomic nervous system responses to brief and chronic stressors. It helps viewers develop a map of their well-being and provides insight into the art and science of self-regulation.
Trauma Stewardship
In addition to other healthy life practices, I find great resiliency in a self-book: Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others. This book provides a framework for managing vicarious trauma. The text outlines 16 possible imbalances within a caregiver or service provider–such as cynicism, deliberate avoidance, hypervigilance, and an inability to embrace complexity. Readers can self-assess their experience and make adjustments. This collection of research and anecdotes relates to various human services, including social work, law enforcement, education, and medical fields.