At the end of a one-day group session that was meant to empower supervisors to achieve self-mastery and the ability to model the way for the employees they supervised, one supervisor ended the day with an honest declaration, “When I walked in here this morning, I thought that I would be hearing a lot of psycho-babble, but this session has helped me to focus on my strengths and the areas I need to improve. I really learned so much and today, I have such a different opinion of psychology.” Of course, I was happy to learn of one participant’s transformation but I am even happier that there appears to be a nation-wide transformation and acceptance of the fact that we all need help with coping at various points in our lives.
So many more psychologists are now available and so many more are no longer trapped by the stigma that one has to be crazy to visit with a psychologist. There is greater understanding that psychology includes and addresses many areas like the developmental, industrial, educational, social, experimental, physiological, social and clinical challenges in today’s complex environment. The field of psychology can serve as an important and vital role in offering support and coping skills to children, adults and organisations personally and professionally. Every professional in this “helping” profession has an opportunity to make a difference in our country as we grapple with life as it unfolds today.
It is also vital for everyone to know that psychologists are available and one should feel comfortable to reach out and seek the help and guidance whether the problem is work-related or personal. Sometimes, taking that first step to talk to a psychologist is the first step in making a much-needed change as one strives to learn and grow. So, if you are in a leadership position and there are challenges in your workplace, do not hesitate to seek the help of a psychologist. Of course, a need can also be experienced by parents as they struggle to raise children in a world that has changed so much. Many parents are confused about the limits they should set with the use of technology or how they should discipline. Many parents are struggling with children who have learning difficulties or behavior that is not acceptable. Then, there are more serious challenges when children are born with physical or mental handicaps and parents do not know where to turn. Now, there are psychologists who are more available and ready to help or point to another professional who can help. Sometimes, it takes a team approach to provide the best help for parents and many psychologists work together to provide the necessary testing, counselling, training, and coaching that may be needed.
There are other greater challenges like depression, child abuse, domestic violence, incest, suicide and then the serious disorders like hyperactivity, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders that are go untreated for years because so many do not seek the help they need. Psychologists are available to enhance the lives of adults, children and families, and organisations and whether the practitioner is referred to as a social worker, psychotherapist, mental health professional, counselling or clinical psychologist or psychiatrist—we are all in the helping profession and help is available for those who seek it. How can I afford to pay for a psychologist? There are psychologists available in private practices who may have a sliding scale fee, just ask! There are psychologists who are attached to schools who may have fee structures that are affordable. There are also non-profit organisations who have programmes and professionals available to serve with various options for payments. Many churches also have professionals available to serve. The most important step is that first one when you realise that you, your child, your relative or your employee may be experiencing a life-threatening situation. Awareness is the first step—taking some action to find the right professional is the next.
How do you find the right professional? Your medical doctor can be a good referral source. Teachers and school principals are also aware of the professionals available to serve. There are non-profit organisations who are doing outstanding work in almost every community. There are community health clinics. I would first look in my immediate community to see who is available and remember that there is an association now in T&T, the T&T Association of Professional Psychologists (TTAPP) who can definitely lead you in the right direction and provide information and guidance about available professionals. The most important point is help is available!
Dr Starke is a psychotherapist/Life skills coach and OD (Organisational Development) consultant who provides workshops/seminars for employees and supervisors. Please contact her via e-mail at thestarkereality@gmail.com or www.ctclifeskills.com.