Frazier Behavioral Health’s Post

We hear a lot about compassion and we hear a lot about empathy. Both are important, but what is one without the other? What is the action that results from either? Compassion: Pity and concern for the suffering and misfortune of others. Empathy: The ability to understand & share the feelings of another. When we display compassion, what good is pity or concern without also learning more and doing something to help change that suffering or misfortune? Can empathy be impactful without also having a concern to act on that understanding and shared feeling or experience? As leaders and community members we have a responsibility to care for others and this requires us to show compassion and empathy, but I will go a step further to say we must also act or it’s all for not. I read a book titled Into The Magic Shop by James Doty. It highlights some of the actions that can come from compassion and how we can equip ourselves with tools and skills to put compassion into action. Dr Doty opened CCARE at Stanford which studies and educates to the practices of compassion and other ways we can open our hearts. Check out the book and CCARE, but most importantly act on compassion and empathy. Doing so may be the most powerful thing you can do for yourself and someone else.

According to TogetherWell Member Dr. Meag-gan O'Reilly, sometimes you can tell how comfortable someone is on a topic based on the words that they use. Interested in learning more about the words we use? Check out this video.

Have you or do you know someone who has been affected by the stigma of a parents substance use who wants to join a community of advocates who are using their story to lead change? Join our peer mentorship program. By employing the art of storytelling, knowledge sharing, and peer mentorship as a conduit for healing, individuals will be equipped with the tools and support they need to not only transform their trauma but also emerge as empowered leaders, stigma disrupters, and knowledge mobilizers in their communities. Learn more https://lnkd.in/gpCHSvMT

Uncertain what happens in a speech therapy session? Let's break it down! Engaging Start: Warm-up activities and friendly conversation put children at ease, making sessions enjoyable and interactive. Personalized Approach: Targeted exercises address your child's specific speech or language challenges, ensuring a tailored program. Collaborative Progress:  Home practice is key!  We provide you with relevant homework assignments to support ongoing development, and your involvement is crucial for lasting results. Measurable Success:  Through continuous assessment, we adapt the treatment plan as needed.  You'll stay informed about your child's progress and celebrate milestones along the way. Every child is unique, and so is our approach! We're here to guide you through the speech therapy journey and help your child thrive.

Check out our latest blog, “Helping Children Find Their Voice: Practical Communication Tips for Caregivers”! 🌟 Discover how modeling behavior and positive reinforcement can support your child’s communication journey. Dive in for practical tips and insights to help you and your child thrive. 📚✨ . . . https://bit.ly/3ymD2xk

Shoutout to our Evanston Clinical Director, Simone Light, M.S., BCBA, for practicing assent-based care with her clients (and teaching us all ways to practice it as well)! From Simone: "My client, a suspected gestalt language processor, does wonderful with modeled phrases, especially in written formats! One of her goals targets increasing ways to advocate for herself when she does not like what’s going on. During a regulating activity (squeezing and pushing safe items is also a skill we work on to target regulation and coping tools), I naturally modeled phrases paired with writing them on the table. After I would model a phrase, she would often repeat back the phrase to me showing shared interest (aka joint attention) and I could naturally and playfully provide more context of when or how to use the modeled phrase. No “demands” were ever placed, but lots of learning took place. Teaching, modeling, and honoring all modes of communication is an important aspect of assent-based care and my client is doing an amazing job with expressing her personal sensory and individualized needs! 🎉🎉

Shout this louder for the people in the back!! This has been a common argument from myself, and my colleagues, during our tenure with organizations - when you ask someone to share with your team, your department, your organization you need to honour their time, their experience, and their contributions to your learning. Asking for them to share without compensation simply because they weren't secured through a speaking agent or cannot boast multiple letters after their name, simply perpetuates the systemic injustices that marginalized individuals face every day. Indigenous knowledge keepers especially are called on repeatedly from both within their communities and externally to advise, guide, and recount their stories. Elders are regularly called upon to open and close meetings and conferences, yet expected to do so for substantially less than what would be equitable compensation for their time. Furthermore, providing honoraria is often so laden with red tape and paperwork that it becomes cumbersome and overly time-consuming. Organizations need to do better: discover (and follow) appropriate protocol! Respect their time and the gifts they are sharing with you! Listen to their wisdom and commit to putting learnings into action. Offering a company mug and a rousing round of applause is not reconciliation. Gift generously and pay fairly, quickly, and in the manner of payment they prefer.

Like many others, I often find January to be a long and difficult month. Every year I'll put immense pressure on myself to achieve a mountain of slightly unrealistic goals, which can sometimes have a negative impact on my mental health. Of course this isn't to say you shouldn't set yourself challenges and aims, but just a reminder that we need to make sure we take care of ourselves first and foremost. In order to do our best and tackle tasks, we need to embrace and learn how to be self-compassionate and show kindness internally as well as externally. Not sure where to start? Here are a few books that might help... https://lnkd.in/egvHRpZR

What is compassionate empathy? One of our placement students from last semester, Jessa Paddison, tells us all about it in this new blog post! Visit the link in our bio to read Jessa's blog and learn more!

Wondering if your child with a speech delay will eventually talk? With the right support and early intervention at home, many kids can catch up in their communication skills. Trust your instincts, seek help, and remember, you're not alone in this journey 🧡 For more information on speech delay, including the signs, causes, and how speech therapy can help, check out our Learning Center article "Can a Child with a Speech Delay Catch Up on Their Own?" Or comment "CATCH UP" and we'll DM you the link 📩