That’s the question I ask all of my clients. They are the experts of themselves; they know their story and they are hoping someone will just listen. The answers are within themselves but to think about what has not worked for them for so long can be discouraging and tiresome. So where do we start? Do we start with the inner child traumas that began without their consent? Do we begin with the sabotage that they started with substance use and neglect? Or do we start with the here and now that starts with new beginnings and hope. I have met them all, some ready and willing and some still identifying the Stages of Change. Whether you are an individual struggling with mental illness or a friend or family member supporting an individual struggling with mental illness this is the platform for you. Where do we start?
Next, I listen to their story. Where are they at this moment in life, what are they wanting to change, complete, obtain. How are they wanting to go about this. Where do they see themselves when this plan is fulfilled. Many remember when life was great, they had it all job, marriage, home, kids. Something changed them something they had no idea why but knows that it’s not what they want. I am here to restart their pilot light to get them on fire for the next chapter of their lives where they feel safe and accomplished. Most likely they lost their marriage, job and home but there is a chance to start over in a different way a clean and new adventure when given the survival skills, medication, therapy and hope within people who believe in them.
The places I start is with the persons protective factors. Do you feel safe within your surroundings? Do you own anything ie. gun, knife, rope, unlocked medications that allows for easy access suicide attempts. Do you have safe friends/family members that you can depend on in a time of need? If not we need to look into positive supports within society ie. safe group settings, a hospital bed, an Evaluation and Treatment center voluntarily. Then I go over a Safety Plan. What are the happy places they like to do when they feel well. What’s some activities that give them control and help prevent crisis ( Wellness Toolbox ). What are some Early Warning sign triggers that arise when they aren’t doing well. With this information we come up with a treatment plan that will be used throughout the time spent taking their life back.