Interview with a Therapist

For this week’s blog, I decided to do something a little different. I have a lot of questions about the mental health field, for I want to be a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner when I am older. I know what I want to do, but sometimes I am not so sure of the route I should take to get there. To answer some of my questions, I decided to interview my boss, Amber Madden. I learned a lot from her answers, and hopefully you will too!

How many years of college did it take for you to become a therapist?

       I attended 4 years of college for my bachelor's degree and then another 2-3 years for my masters. How much time one may spend on the masters degree is dependent upon how many classes they may choose to take at a time. I was working full time while pursuing my masters, so I took classes at a bit of a slower pace.

What is your favorite part about your job?

       My favorite part about my job is the amount of creativity it provides. In general, I am the type of person who likes to have the ability to explore different elements of creativity and to have new challenges. I have found the mental health profession to offer a variety of ways to be creative whether it is from developing individualized treatment plans for challenging clients, creating a private practice, utilizing social media to advocate for mental health or writing on a widespread range of topics related to mental health. There are lots of ways to be creative in this field and I find it adaptable to almost any industry as mental health applies to almost everything we do.

To be successful , what are 3 qualities that you believe a therapist should have?

       Self-discipline - I say self discipline, because there is a significant part of mental health that requires devoting extra time and attention to clients in order to make sure they are receiving quality services. There are many times I need to devote extra time to researching about mental health conditions and the best and most effective ways of treating those conditions. At times, this can feel a bit like I'm preparing for a research paper, which may not be ideal to some individuals. However, I find this is important in making sure clients needs are met. Along the lines of self-discipline also comes with documentation. Documentation is a HUGE part of mental health practice and one of the areas that many clinicians have the most suffering because it can be unpleasant to have to spend additional time documenting sessions. It takes a great amount of discipline, especially in private practice, to make sure proper documentation is completed.

       Interpersonal Skills  or "Soft" Skills - I once read a book about becoming a "master" therapist. Actually, the name of the book is, On Being a Master Therapist, by Jeffrey A. Cottler and Jon Carlson. In this book, the duo explored on what elements were believed to become a "master" therapist. Time and time again, they referred to the relationship between the therapist and the client. This was also based on years of research and experience. I also believe this is a very important quality to have for being a good therapist. A therapist needs to have excellent interpersonal skills in order to be able to effectively listen to their clients, as well as convey empathy and caring about their presenting conditions. The relationship often is more important than the therapist skills utilized, as well.

       A Knowledge of Ethical Principles - Do no harm continues to be a message in the medical and mental health professional world that is often stated. Therapists have a responsibility to their clients to ensure they are constantly helping them and not harming them. Many times, this can often refer to any ethical dilemmas that may come up during therapy and how the therapist navigates these challenges. A quality therapist needs to be well versed in the ethical guidelines of how to work with clients and what they can and cannot do to help clients.

What college did you attend, and what degrees did you receive?

       I attended University of the Cumberlands receiving a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I attended Union College to receive a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. Lastly, I received a Graduate Certificate in Eating Disorder Treatment from Northern Illinois University.

What made you decide to become a therapist?

       I have always thought of myself to be an analytical person and someone who has enjoyed learning about people. When I was in college for my undergrad, I actually started out as a music major. I played violin and piano growing up and I thought I wanted to become a music teacher. However, I found the classes VERY challenging, the competition was steep between students and at the end of the day, I really did not know how much I actually wanted to teach. As part of my undergraduate basics, I was required to take an Introduction to Psychology course. I was completely fascinated by the material in this course. I loved everything I was learning and the learning felt effortless, so I took another course, Abnormal Psychology. Again, I continued to be intrigued by the material and it all felt very effortless because I was so interested in what I was learning. I switched majors and decided to commit myself to becoming a mental health professional, mostly because I really liked learning about people and the different parts of our lives that makeup who we are as individuals.

What is your preferred style of therapy?

       I would not say I have a preferred style. I utilize a blend of humanistic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and existentialism. The mode of therapy I utilize tends to be based on the presenting problems of the client and how they perceive their problems.

What are some things you do outside of your work to help you maintain a happy, healthy life?

       I love to take walks and listen to an audiobook or podcast. I also really love cooking when I have the time for it. I enjoy reading and of course, watching some Netflix from time to time. Most importantly, I like to spend time with my family.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring therapist, what would it be?

       I would tell an aspiring therapist to make sure they attend an accredited school, one accredited by CACREP. I did not know about CACREP at the time I pursued my degree and the schools were not as widely recognized. I am credentialed through the National Board of Credentialed Counselors now, but a CACREP degree would have been nice, as well. This is a single decision that could potentially have a large impact on the types of employment you can find when you begin looking. I would also advise aspiring therapist to plan well for student loans. I have been fortunate in that I worked for a place that partnered with the National Health Service Corporation and I was able to trade my service for student loan repayment. This has been a huge saving grace for me. I know many others her struggle with upwards of 200k debt and it is so important to make a plan for that when going into this field and how you will plan to pay back those loans or try to work for a place that may help you pay them back.

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Kylee Roberts, Mental Health Therapist

Co-Written by Amber Madden, LPCC-S

Inspirational Songs to Boost Your Mental Health

When I am having a hard day, I tend to turn on music and let myself “get lost” in it. Listening to music is a great way to relax and destress. Inspirational songs are especially good in this case because of the uplifting and positive lyrics presented in them. Music can lead you to have all sorts of feelings, and inspirational music is likely to motivate you. In this post, I am going to be sharing some of my favorite inspirational songs, their chorus, and explaining some of the meaning behind them.

#1 “Stronger” - Kelly Clarkson

     Almost everyone I know has heard this popular, inspirational song. The famous lyric “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” can be very inspiring when you are going through a tough time. Sometimes it is hard to believe we will ever get through a trial, but in the end your problems end up making you a stronger person.

[Chorus]

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

Stand a little taller

Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

What doesn't kill you makes a fighter

Footsteps even lighter

Doesn't mean I'm over 'cause you're gone

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger

Just me, myself, and I

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

Stand a little taller

Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

#2 “Survivor” - Destiny’s Child

     This song is all about not giving up. Even when times get rough, there is no use in giving up on yourself. While it encourages the listener to become a “survivor”, this song also promotes independence from people who bring you down.

[Chorus]

I'm a survivor (What?)

I'm not gon' give up (What?)

I'm not gon' stop (What?)

I'm gon' work harder (What?)

I'm a survivor (What?)

I'm gonna make it (What?)

I will survive (What?)

Keep on survivin' (What?)

I'm a survivor (What?)

I'm not gon' give up (What?)

I'm not gon' stop (What?)

I'm gon' work harder (What?)

I'm a survivor (What?)

I'm gonna make it (What?)

I will survive (What?)

Keep on survivin' (What?)

#3 “Fight Song” - Rachel Platten

     Just like the title suggests, “Fight Song” is all about encouraging the listener to be strong and fight for themselves no matter what. Instead of regretting not standing up for yourself, Platten is encouraging people to speak their mind instead of holding it all in.

[Chorus]

This is my fight song

Take back my life song

Prove I'm alright song

My power's turned on

Starting right now, I'll be strong

I'll play my fight song

And I don't really care

If nobody else believes

'Cause I've still got

A lot of fight left in me

A lot of fight left in me

#4 “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” - Bobby Mcferrin

     This famous song is all about staying positive and having good vibes. There is no reason to waste your life worrying all the time; instead “don’t worry, be happy!”

[Chorus]

Don't worry, be happy

Don't worry, be happy

Don't worry, be happy

Don't worry, be happy

#5 “We Are The Champions” - Queen

     My favorite band of all time is Queen, so of course I had to include one of their songs on this list! At the start of the song, Mercury describes all the bad things he has been through. When you reach the chorus, you see that he is still fighting and still considers himself a champion after all his trials.

[Chorus]

We are the champions, my friends

And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end

We are the champions

We are the champions

No time for losers

'Cause we are the champions

Of the world

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Resources :

Hoi WanHoi is a mobilist who blogs about technology trends and productivity. Read full profile, & Wan, H. (2022, April 7). 32 inspirational songs that keep you motivated for life. Lifehack. Retrieved August 25, 2022, from https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/30-inspirational-songs-that-keep-you-motivated-for-life.html

Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (what doesn't kill you). Genius. (n.d.). Retrieved August 25, 2022, from https://genius.com/Kelly-clarkson-stronger-what-doesnt-kill-you-lyrics

Destiny's child – survivor. Genius. (n.d.). Retrieved August 25, 2022, from https://genius.com/Destinys-child-survivor-lyrics

Rachel platten – fight song. Genius. (n.d.). Retrieved August 25, 2022, from https://genius.com/Rachel-platten-fight-song-lyrics

Bobby McFerrin – don't worry, be happy. Genius. (n.d.). Retrieved August 25, 2022, from https://genius.com/Bobby-mcferrin-dont-worry-be-happy-lyrics

Queen – we are the champions. Genius. (n.d.). Retrieved August 25, 2022, from https://genius.com/Queen-we-are-the-champions-lyrics

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Kylee Roberts, Mental Health Virtual Assistant

Co-Written by Amber Madden, LPCC-S

Mental Health Book Recommendations

    When mental health awareness is portrayed in any form of media, that is a step towards educating the public on these issues. Reliable books about mental health are always great to read, especially if they give advice on how to overcome a problem you are dealing with or provide some comfort through a difficult time in your life. In today’s post, I am going to be listing five different books about mental health that may help with your issues. I will also include the price of the book, and a link to where you can purchase it. I hope you enjoy some of my choices!

#1 “The Body Keeps The Score : Brain, Mind, And Body In The Healing Of Trauma” - Bessel Van Der Kolk

Paperback Price : $11.40 not including shipping

https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748/ref=zg_bs_4682_sccl_1/144-3414386-2582164?pd_rd_i=0143127748&psc=1

#2 “The Myth Of Normal” - Gabor Matè

Paperback Price : $24.99 not including shipping

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1785042726/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=

#3 “Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present (The Path to Calm)” - Nick Trenton

Paperback Price : 14.79 not including shipping

https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Overthinking-Techniques-Declutter-Emotional/dp/B08XLLF3PG/ref=zg_bs_4682_sccl_17/144-3414386-2582164?pd_rd_i=B08XLLF3PG&psc=1

#4 “Never Binge Again(tm): How Thousands of People Have Stopped Overeating and Binge Eating - and Stuck to the Diet of Their Choice! (By Reprogramming Themselves to Think Differently About Food.)” - Glenn Livingston

Paperback Price : $14.95 not including shipping

https://www.amazon.com/Never-Binge-Again-Permanently-Overeating-ebook/dp/B014V1Q6SI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=85S9A2BYA6OJ&keywords=eating+disorder+novel&qid=1666481566&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjA3IiwicXNhIjoiMi4yMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=eating+disorder+nov%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

#5 “ Healing Is a Gift: Poems for Those Who Need to Grow” - Alexandra Vasiliu

Paperback Price : $14.89 not including shipping

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Gift-Poems-Those-Need/dp/B09K1XG82J/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=36FFQXU6DAECB&keywords=anxiety+novel&qid=1666481689&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjkwIiwicXNhIjoiMS40NiIsInFzcCI6IjAuOTIifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=anxiety+nivel%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

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Kylee Roberts, Mental Health Virtual Assistant

Co-Written by Amber Madden, LPCC-S