Welcome

As we have been overwhelmed with the excitement in welcoming the newest members to our team, I find myself reflecting on themes of teamwork and what it means to belong. It hits a special part of my heart, being attachment focused and relational in my clinical practice, but I continuously find that when it comes to feeling secure and whole, it’s so much bigger than what goes on in session rooms. 

Being a part of a team can be looked at as a way of being. Part of the mission here is to create a space where staff, students, clients, and families feel at home, at ease, cared for and connected. In working toward this, I didn’t expect to receive such a positive outcome so quickly, and I am even more surprised just how whole it has left me feeling, knowing that I am a part of a team. 

In the office today, we had a discussion  about the chicken or the egg when it comes to confidence. I stand firm in the belief that our sense of confidence comes from the connections we experience with others. 

I ask you to consider for a moment the game-changing moments you have had in your life: 

Those words that lift you up when you are down

The pep-talk you give yourself when things are challenging

The mantra that reminds you that everything is going to be ok when you are scared

Where, or better yet, who did they come from? 

An external source is generally what I am finding. For people of faith, this may be your higher power, for others it may be a loved one, a former teacher, or a friend. Whoever it is that we carry with us in our psyches, one thing is certain to me- the people who support us become part of us. Attachment theory argues that this is something we can not live without. We are not meant to go through this life alone.

Even the introverts have the need for connection, belonging and support.

As the Center approaches the one year mark, I reflect back in awe and gratitude. One year ago I started this journey with the hope that I may be able to support the people of my community in a way that aligns with my values while meeting them where they are at. Offering acceptance and compassion were my goals.

One year later, I am marveling at the way this idealistic dream has flourished into a strong team of people who passionately care for and about others.

Creating this Center has long been my dream and I couldn’t be more honored to serve the community here alongside the amazing people on my team. I am grateful beyond measure each day for the honor it is to connect with this community.

So in other words, what I leave you with today is that team work really does make the dream work.