Rediscovering Connection: The Journey of Building Community as a Mental Health Clinician
Introduction In the wake of the pandemic, many of us have faced the challenge of feeling disconnected from our professional communities. For me, this disconnection was profound. I relocated and shifted all my clinical and human services work to a virtual format, limiting opportunities to connect with local colleagues. Being a mother to two young children and managing life during such tumultuous times only added to the sense of isolation.
Creating a Consultation Group for Mental Health Clinicians However, a recent experience illuminated a path forward. I started a consultation group for mental health clinicians, providing a space for us to support each other’s clinical and personal growth. During our first meeting, as I introduced myself and shared my therapeutic approach, another clinician highlighted a theme that resonated deeply: creating a sense of safety for our clients.
The Specialization Dilemma in Mental Health In the clinical community, there's a prevailing notion that specialization is superior to being a generalist. This idea has often left me feeling uncertain about my place within the field. I’ve never felt comfortable narrowing my practice to a single modality or specific population. When the clinician pointed out that my focus on creating safety was my unique specialty, it was a revelation.
Creating safety is indeed the cornerstone of my work. This can manifest in various ways: establishing routines and structure, providing emotional validation, fostering effective communication, or nurturing a healthy relationship with one's body. It involves challenging old concepts of safety and aligning them with current values and future aspirations.
The Power of Community in Mental Health This revelation underscored the importance of community. Community offers a space where safety can flourish, allowing us to be ourselves and explore our identities. Often, we think of community in terms of social activities, but it also profoundly impacts our relationship with ourselves. Community can be a mirror, reflecting how we treat others and, crucially, how we treat ourselves.
Navigating Personal Challenges as a Mental Health Clinician As I write this, I reflect on a moment of personal frustration. I had set aside time for administrative tasks but found myself inefficiently using that time. This led to feelings of disappointment, irritation, and even shame. I reminded myself that my brain operates differently, and shaming myself wouldn't be productive. Instead, I considered how I would support others who experience similar struggles and applied that same compassion to myself.
Embracing Self-Acceptance There are moments when I wish I were different – that my body, thoughts, or organization skills were not as they are. Yet, I am fortunate to have people in my life who love me exactly as I am. This reflection emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the value of the collective in a culture that often prioritizes individuality.
Honoring the Evolution of This Mental Health Blog When I started this blog, I aimed to write about topics that would appeal to a broad audience. Now, I focus on what truly resonates with me. The feedback and shared experiences from readers have given me an emotional understanding of who I am speaking to. This blog is for my community that may include current clients, past clients, friends, family, people interested in therapy, or those seeking space to evaluate or explore their thoughts and beliefs.
I choose to be proud of this community, both for the energy it brings and for the reflection it offers in times of need. If you’re feeling the loss of community, know that your feelings are valid. Take the time to name and understand these feelings, and remember the value in the collective. Together, we can rediscover connection and build spaces of safety and growth.
