What do clients want most from mental health treatment? The answer is: expertise that delivers results. This is all that counts.

medication_evaluationThe number of methodologies, technologies and treatment plans through which expertise is delivered is as long as the longest arm; and I’ve found – through years of trial and error – that the more convoluted and complicated the strategy, the more it dilutes my expertise. Why? Because sounding smart, intelligent and academic doesn’t necessarily translate into value for the client. These factors contribute to my feeling competent, but it’s not about me.

I focus primarily on having a conversation with the client in each session. I want them to relate to me and to be as relaxed as possible in my presence. Accomplishing this puts me in a better position to focus on objectives and outcomes with me serving as their navigational system, their GPS, so to speak.

Then, with our collective eye on the goal we’ve established, I’ll help them determine the shortest route possible to that end. And if I need electron microscopes or high-powered telescopes to get there, my true expertise will be realized – if and only if – the client readily and easily understands their purpose and how they will help.