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Its Where I Am focuses on the various mental health struggles that people all around the world face every day. Each episode covers a different facet of mental health with a new special guest. It's Where I Am airs on 91.5 Jazz & More every second Saturday of the month.
Unknown Speaker 0:00
This is a k u and v studios original program. You're listening to special programming brought to you by it's where I am.com. The content of this program does not reflect the views or opinions of 91.5 Jazz and more University of Nevada, Las Vegas or the Board of Regents, the Nevada System of Higher Education.
Unknown Speaker 0:43
Good morning Las Vegas, this is Dr. G. And you are listening to it's where I am on 91.5 FM, a u and v. I am guest hosting for Zondra Polare. He continues to enjoy a much needed respite after being on the air for four years. However, if you've been missing Zondra, you don't have to wait too much longer. She'll be joining the show full time again in June. I'm Dr. David JENICE, clinical and public relations director from great mind counseling and Wellness Center. And on it's where I am I have been spotlighting different mental health programs throughout the state of Nevada. My goal is to decrease the stigma for accessing mental health resources and encouraging others to extend a hand to ask for help when needed. I'm really excited to bring a special guest on this morning show. This is an individual that I have had the privilege to clinically guide this this clinician and her journey. And and we've had a long history of providing individual and family services to our community members. So without further ado, I would like to welcome Sarah Hernandez licensed clinical social worker from Theravada mental health to the show. Good morning, Sarah.
Unknown Speaker 2:20
And money. Dr. David, it's nice to be here. I'm excited for today.
Unknown Speaker 2:24
Thank you Sorry, I'm doing great. If you don't mind, Sara, I would like to take this opportunity to share with our listeners how you and I first came together. And that was the beginning of your clinical career. And today you are an exceptional clinician licensed as a clinical social worker. So Sarah enrolled in a master's license degree plan for social work. And at that time, she was a full time mom. And I remember vividly, she came to the agency where I was working at that time, and interviewed me for me to potentially supervise her hours that she needed to complete interfacing with individuals and families collecting clinical hours, so that she could fulfill a practicum requirement in order to get her master's in social work. And I remember this mother who came to interview for me was so nervous, so nervous. And you know, it was not a good interview, it was actually kind of painful. So, you know, Sarah,
Unknown Speaker 3:52
and me both.
Unknown Speaker 3:55
You know, I remember it though, because I thought to myself, You know what? This young lady is a mom. And she has so many different skill sets by being a mom that I believed were transferable and applicable to be becoming a really good therapists. And so I decided I was gonna give this young lady a chance. And well, I welcomed her to my agency where I was practicing at that time and, and, you know, we did a lot of really good clinical work together. And I had the opportunity to train Sarah, and birth to five child psychotherapy, which is a specialization and there's not many of us, throughout the state of Nevada that's trained in being able to provide psychotherapy to birth to five aged children. So that is certainly one of Sarah's areas of expertise in which she can help family His. But Sarah, I'm really excited that I want to hear what you've been up to what what you do at Theravada mental health and you know, who are like the patients that you're providing clinical services to?
Unknown Speaker 5:16
Well, thank you, Dr. Davis, for that lovely introduction, I appreciate that. So currently, what I'm doing is available different from what I've done in the past. And working it always in a group setting or where we're all independently contracting. Now, the type of patients are the ones that I'm serving now are a little different, not necessarily serving the birth to five range at the moment, really, I'm focusing my efforts on adults and elders 65 plus. And so that's really where my client population is, I help people who come in, that are struggling with life transitions, anything from anxiety, to depression, grief and loss and some post traumatic stress. And so those are the types of people that I'm servicing now.
Unknown Speaker 6:14
So I really appreciate that you are gaining new skill sets, and specializing in providing clinical therapeutic services, if I heard you correctly, Sarah, for the 65 plus population. And that really warms my heart, because my mom was in assisted living due to her diagnosis of Alzheimer's. And she needed to reside in an assisted living home, where she, you know, she was there until she passed. And so the fact that you are a resource for families within our system of care, to provide that clinical expertise to our older adult population, it just moves me and so I'm going to thank you for deciding to, you know, be a resource for for that population. Because, you know, Sarah, I'm getting older too. And just to be able to identify people within the community, where families can go and and receive, you know, quality clinical services. So, okay, Sara, Sara, listeners, Sarah is a provider at Theravada mental health, and they specialize and provide individual therapy, couples therapy, they also do EMDR therapy, which is eye movement, desensitization reprocessing, and so that is to help individuals work through trauma. They also do dialectical behavior therapy, they offer group therapy, as well as medication management services. So, you know, Sarah, one of the highlights for me, is really being able to spotlight different mental health programs, as well as to introduce providers, and really talk to providers and allow listeners to hear about providers backgrounds, and how they practice as a therapist. Because I think that's really important. I think matching is really important. And I hope I've done an admirable job at really highlighting what the process of therapy looks like, so that people just feel more comfortable and in when they decide they need a little help, that they're not going to hesitate to access mental health services. So so as a provider, you know, what is your philosophy of care? Can you tell our listeners kind of how you practice as a therapist?
Unknown Speaker 9:05
So as a therapist, I mean, I'm a really practical and down to earth person. So that's my approach, you know, I design things to meet people where they are. And I like to do that in a very conversational, casual and interactive way. So I find that, I mean, I know I'm human just as much as anybody else's human and when that relatedness can be there and be on the table, it's much better than causing any type of maybe uncomfortable feelings, right? Because what you're coming to therapy for generally is not the most exciting to talk about or the most comfortable talking about. And so, I do agree that the relationship between the provider and the person receiving the services is essential. And so if that connection is not there, then their vehicle for change is going to be very difficult.
Unknown Speaker 9:57
So listener set Laura is not in the studio with me this morning. She's calling in, but she can't see that I have this Cheshire grin, from ear to ear on my face, because what Sarah just said just warms my heart. And that one of the most important, I believe, anyways, attributes for therapists to be successful, and really being able to build rapport, to be relatable, to show individuals that we're providing care to that, that we're just like them is, is how we situate ourselves in the office in the room with with our families. And, you know, so that's really meeting individuals and families where they're at. And, and coming from a non judgmental stance, being authentic and being vulnerable. Because Sara, and I know how hard life can be for all of us. And we're all on our own individual journeys, and we're all working on something. And, and so I really appreciate, you know, Sarah, just having you articulate that, you know, I'm a real person and that you hang out with, with the individuals that you provide care to. And, you know, I think that goes a long way. And I do believe that when people meet you, that they feel comfortable with you, and that they're like, Okay, like, I can do this, we can come back, and we can work with this provider, because you're real, and you don't pretend you don't put on false pretenses. And, and you're not snotty. And so that's been really, really important, I think, as a therapist and being successful. So now, you know, you have went from one side of the spectrum. So like birth to five services, to providing clinical services on the other side of the spectrum, which is 65 plus adults, 65 plus age adults. So what has it been like for you to transition from one side of the lifespan to the other?
Unknown Speaker 12:15
Well, it's a big difference, right? I mean, when you're working with children and adolescents, for a period of time, they're just totally different, right? You're playing games, you're interacting with them on a different level, using words differently and approaches differently. And so transitioning from that, to working with adults, was actually refreshing to me, because I had been working with kids for so long. And don't get me wrong, I love kids, I've got lots of kids of my own, and so nothing against them, but I was ready for a change. And so being able to provide services to adults and young adults. And then now, in addition to that older 65 Plus has been an experience that, surprisingly, I've been very happy with and fulfilled with, I really do like the population that I'm serving right now. So it's been a good transition. It's been different.
Unknown Speaker 13:12
But it's been good. So So I find this to be so interesting, because you and I, we were such Child, Adolescent and Family Services providers, that was really our passion for many, many years. And I'm actually working with adults who have severe mental illness. And that, for me, is totally different than what I had believed I would do and continue to do as a provider. And I'm finding that the work that I'm doing today is so fulfilling. I'm actually working the hardest. I feel like that I've worked in a long time. But I feel really fulfilled though. And just the relationships that I have been building with our community members and how I've been able to watch their growth and watch them move forward in a positive way. It's been it's been really, really rewarding for me and exciting. So alright, but enough about me that we're here to talk about you. Okay, so I do know through us conversing, that you also have provided therapy to combat military personnel, military spouses and first responders. So I wanted to ask you, you know, from from a clinical perspective, what are some clinical needs that you've identified, that is common within this specific population?
Unknown Speaker 14:46
So within this specific population, I think there's a large stigma out there for access to care or for even reaching out for care. I know that within under those communities, the central idea for asking for care is not necessarily something encouraged. Nor is it something really looked for due to various components or reasons. And so I think there's been a recent surge of people reaching out, which I think is awesome. Maybe just due to more mental health over the last three or so years. And with a pandemic, and all of that going on, so having them reach out for services is great, because there is a big need care, you know, there's those high stress, or high risk jobs are something that needs to be addressed within the community. And a lot of times the community isn't sure how to help or to accept people that have those types of responses to whatever they've experienced in life. And so I'm sorry, I don't remember what exactly was your question was? Can you? No,
Unknown Speaker 16:02
no, no, you're doing you're fine. And you're doing great. And and so, you know, I want to talk about though, what you just you just said, Sarah, because you acknowledge that for military personnel, there's still this stigma associated with having those individuals accessing mental health services. And, and so I mean, our military personnel have have the most toughest job in my opinion, and they have a very stressful job. And so, it's a little surprising to me that, because of that, there is still this stigma, though, associated with accessing mental health services. So So in my, you know, career pathway, I've had the privilege of, you know, working alongside lots of clinicians and training lots of clinicians, and I've been able to listen to, you know, what the process is like to access clinical services on the basis. And, and so, you know, I can speak to a little bit, that I do believe, though, we're making positive gains in regards to just highlighting the value associated with therapy, and how that really helps our servicemen and women have the tools to manage these high stress high crisis situations, and be able to emotionally regulate themselves, and in, you know, a manner where they can come across as as, as you know, being like, you or me. So, you know, okay, so what treatment modalities, so say, you know, if if we have a combat veteran who listens to our show, and they say, you know, like, I think I like this girl, I think I want to, like reach out to her and initiate some therapy. What can that individual anticipate, like, what models of therapy, will you introduce, potentially, and meeting the needs of these individuals?
Unknown Speaker 18:27
Okay, so that was a loaded question. I think, you know, if somebody were to reach out to me and what to expect. Now, you're not talking in regards to making the first appointment you're talking about necessarily like, what approaches I'll be implementing Well, right. Well,
Unknown Speaker 18:43
would you mind can we kind of start though, what the first appointment would be like, so we can like inform our listeners so that they can anticipate if they were to reach out to you and want to work with you kind of what that whole process would look like.
Unknown Speaker 18:58
Okay, so that process. Now, hopefully, you want all these processes to go very smoothly, but as processes some time, they don't go too smoothly. However, I think that we've put a lot of things in place to help them go as smoothly as they can. So if racing offers services would entail either you calling the clinic at the clinic office number, letting them know you have a therapist you'd like to schedule with, you just give them my name. And what they will do then is let you know what you need to do for the first appointment. So that would include filling out a client intake packet that's going to have all your consents, for services. It's going to have you find all of those things that you need to find. That'll have a short part in there as to asking you why you're seeking services. It'll take the important information you need in order just to clear through insurances and things like that. Now once you're scheduled for your appointment, generally my first appointment with somebody are 90 minutes in length, and so During that process, you know, I'm asking you tons of questions, gathering lots of information are very thorough and very specific about the assessments, so that I can, at the end provide you with the best recommendation they can to meet your needs. And so that can seem a little rigorous and a little clinical, and it will be the first appointment, because that's kind of the nature of what I need to do to get the information I need in order to provide services. So then after that, you know, it looks much different. Our appointments are not quite the same after that, and I kind of explained that, at the initial assessment, just to give people an idea of, hey, this is not exactly what it's going to be every time, you know, I'm not going to be so specific in interviewing people with questions and asking this and asking that, and being very clinical. It will be much more relaxed and down to Earth after that. And so I like to kind of give people that heads up.
Unknown Speaker 20:53
Yeah, I think I think that's really important, Sarah, because the first experience, I mean, this is gonna make it or break it, right. And, and so an individual or families, you know, need to feel comfortable, and, and need to be able to relate to the provider and for them to want to return. And so the assessment listeners, it is clinical in nature. So, you know, we do have to be a little nosy, we need some history, we need to really have an understanding of you know, why you aren't in need of therapy at this time. And, and so we need background information. And, and so I know it can be exhausting, it can feel tiring, emotionally, because you're having to tell your story. But you know, that would be it. And Sarah will take all this information. And she will then from the assessment, she will, with collaboration of the individual and family create a treatment plan, which will kind of guide how services will be provided moving forward. So okay, so now, from your work and supporting first responders, people in high crisis, high stressful jobs, our mission is to help these folks to be safe to be healthy, and hopefully they're gonna be happier more often than not. So from your work, Sara, in supporting this population, what is something that you've identified as as being a need and helping these individuals?
Unknown Speaker 22:40
So for these individuals, I mean, I suppose, you know, some of the symptoms and we need maybe similar to what we were just talking about, you know, I think a lot of first responders will go through periods where it is these different unique stresses that they may be facing. And those stressors can pose some unique challenges that might affect their health, their relationships, their personal identities. And so it's really important that the clinician can understand that and help them face those stressors in a more healthy way. Right. And so that's kind of where the focus is there.
Unknown Speaker 23:23
So, I want to talk a little bit about secondary trauma, because you're a vessel, and helping individuals and families make sense of their trauma, and they're reconciling stuff that has happened in their life, and they're trying to create new meaning, and figuring out with the support of you how to move forward and how to be healthy and how to be happy again, you know, how, how do you? Or what do you do, Sarah, to maintain your own positive social, emotional and mental health?
Unknown Speaker 24:00
So that is really important for all of us to do, right. So you'll hear people talk about self care, and how they incorporate self care into their life or daily routine. And I really think that that's important. And I think that we have to be able to have this balance between our work life and our home life. And so I think that balance is tricky. I think that's something that I will probably be striving to get my entire career. But keeping that in mind, you know, you have to listen to your body. You have to listen to how you're feeling. And then you have to respond appropriately to that. So I think taking time to transition from home, from work to home, however you need to do that, whether that's your 10 Minute car drive home or you're not listening to any music and you're just clearing your mind of all the things that happened that day, or whether it's going to the gym or working it out. It really depends but how I do that is I like to drive in silence. So I'll get in my car and I don't want any noise I just want to share my movie and we driving down the road. And that's how I check out my day, because I've heard enough noise anymore. And so that's kind of how I make that transition. And then I'm better equipped to get home and be present at home and be engaging with my kids and my husband and doing those things. And so that is really important. And it's important to not work yourself to death. So I try very hard to not do that.
Unknown Speaker 25:26
Well. And so how many kids do you have now? Sarah?
Unknown Speaker 25:33
I have six kids now six? Yes.
Unknown Speaker 25:36
Well, you know, I think this is important, though. And the reason why I asked this question is because I feel like that a lot of our listeners, this is something that, you know, they can relate to that you're a parent, you actually have six kids, you know, and, and I've had the pleasure of meeting several of your kids, and they're all individual, they all have their own unique needs. And you do a great job as far as you and your husband, you know, overseeing their care and taking care of them. You know, Sarah's anything else that you'd like to share with our listeners in terms of just like, who you are as a provider? Is there anything else that you'd like to say, in regards to what they can anticipate it when they come to your agency, and they work with you? Just anything, you know?
Unknown Speaker 26:22
Oh, goodness, let me think. So, you know, when it comes to work with me, generally, like I really worked to make sure that and easy to access, in regard to wanting to reschedule appointments to make appointments. And I want them to be very clear on who they need to contact if they need anything. And so that will be very clear, you know, generally the dealings will be with me after that first initial appointment, you know, you and I will be scheduling appointments together, I do that at the end of every session, I put people on a reoccurring so that it's easy to remember your appointment time. So I like to have that one on one where I need I'm the point of contact. However, you know, if there's questions that I can't answer, obviously, I will send you where you need to go to get those answers, or I'll find them myself, and then I'll bring those answers to you when I have them. But I in terms of what to expect, I don't know. I mean, I'm totally just down to earth and relax, I'm really sarcastic. So Haha,
Unknown Speaker 27:25
yes, you are. And I appreciate that.
Unknown Speaker 27:29
Very direct to I don't like to beat around the bush, I don't think it's productive, necessarily, for me as a person. So I really tell people what I see and how it is. And I do that, obviously, in the most empathetic and soft way. But you know, being direct and being direct.
Unknown Speaker 27:49
That's all well, and that's one of the reasons why you and I got along so well with each other is because what you see is what you get, we don't put on false pretenses. And we are who we are. And we and we're good people, and we're good providers. So Sarah, How could our listeners if they're interested in in reaching out and wanting to work with you? Or wanting to just go to your agency? Theravada? How can they get in touch with you?
Unknown Speaker 28:17
So they can get in touch with me by either shooting me an email, or I can leave it to you I can leave my email address. If you are my phone number.
Unknown Speaker 28:26
You can say your phone number over the air. That's fine. Okay,
Unknown Speaker 28:30
perfect. So my direct lines, contact me is 702-330-6504. So that number you can call you can text even leave me a voicemail, I will return your call as soon as I possibly can. I can't tell you within 24 hours because I don't know if that would happen. Because I possibly can I like to within two days be able to do that. So that's my cell phone number. My email address that you can utilize is Sarah, which is Sa ra Theravadan wellness.net. So you can eat also email me. Now if you don't do either of those two things. That's okay. You can go on the website, which is there about a wellness.com I believe. And it's got like a little contact button on there. You can contact the front desk and you can let them know you're interested in services and they'll be able to guide you moving forward.
Unknown Speaker 29:24
Awesome. Well, sir, I want to thank you so much for being on this morning show. It's where I am. I am Dr. G, and you are listening to it's where I am on 91.5 FM, K, u and v. And I look forward to another great show next weekend. Take care. Bye bye.
Unknown Speaker 29:43
Thank you, Dr. David. My pleasure.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai