Jamie Kirmess’ Post

What’s your story? What have you been challenged with? What you’ve gone through has given you knowledge and provided you with different insight. If we can change our mindset and view our circumstances as lessons or experiences to learn from, it will leave us with a better understanding. The challenges in our lives make us more aware. They allow us to appreciate things and moments others take for granted. Learn from your dilemma so that you can prosper. You deserve to be healthy and happy. Daniel Your Holistic Epilepsy Health Coach

*Celebrating Doctors' Day: A Tribute to Our Healing Heroes* As we celebrate Doctors' Day on July 1st, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact that medical professionals have had on my own journey and on the lives of countless others. This day serves as a heartfelt reminder of the dedication, expertise, and compassion that doctors bring to their work every single day. Having worked closely with many doctors as a Counselling Psychologist, I have seen firsthand the incredible challenges they face and the unwavering resilience they demonstrate. Doctors, much like us in the field of mental health, are committed to healing and supporting others through some of life's most difficult moments. Their ability to combine medical knowledge with empathetic care is truly inspiring. On a personal note, I have been fortunate to collaborate with several doctors who have enriched my understanding of holistic health. These collaborations have reinforced the importance of addressing not just physical ailments but also mental and emotional well-being. The synergy between medical and psychological care can lead to transformative outcomes for patients. Today, as we honor our doctors, I am reminded of the countless times they have been there for us, providing comfort and hope. Their work often goes beyond the call of duty, touching lives in ways that words can scarcely capture. In my practice, I often encounter patients whose lives have been positively changed by the dedication of a caring doctor. It is also crucial that we recognize the mental health needs of our doctors. The pressures and demands of their profession are immense, and supporting their mental well-being is vital. Initiatives aimed at promoting self-care and mental health among doctors can lead to a healthier, more balanced healthcare system. So, on this special day, let us express our deep gratitude to the doctors who have made a difference in our lives. Whether through a word of thanks, a small gesture, or simply by taking a moment to appreciate their work, let's honor their sacrifices and celebrate their unwavering commitment to healing. Happy Doctors' Day to all the incredible doctors out there. Your work is not just a profession but a calling. Thank you for being the true heroes of our society. #DoctorsDay #Gratitude #HealthcareHeroes #MentalHealth #CounsellingPsychology #WellBeing #HealthcareProfessionals

As the week draws to a close, I reflect on the profound encounters with my last two patients, both grappling with mental health challenges amidst difficult life circumstances. These interactions serve as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted role healthcare professionals (HCPs) play in patient care, extending far beyond the realms of medication and diagnostics. My first patient, caught in a cycle of couch surfing and occasional homelessness, reached out for help, feeling disconnected and ostracized from society. Our half-hour consultation was not just a clinical evaluation but a heartfelt dialogue about his struggles and aspirations. He expressed a desire to address his mental health and secure stable housing—a request that led me to provide a supporting statement on his behalf. It was a small but significant way to assist in his journey toward stability and well-being. The second patient sought a space to voice her distress over family issues and housing insecurity. Tearful during the consultation, she found solace in simply being heard. Recognizing her need for ongoing support, I referred her to our mental health nurse for further care. These encounters underscore a crucial aspect of healthcare: the power of listening and offering a comforting presence. Sometimes, the most therapeutic intervention is providing an empathetic ear and understanding heart. As HCPs, our capacity to impact lives stretches beyond traditional treatment pathways—it's about connecting, empathizing, and supporting individuals through their most vulnerable moments. Finally the feedback from both patients has profoundly affirmed the value of my work. They both expressed a desire for me to be involved in their future clinical appointments, a testament to the trust and comfort we built in just one meeting. This recognition not only humbles me but also fuels my commitment to healthcare. It's a powerful reminder of the impact we can have, not just through our clinical expertise, but through our humanity and the relationships we build. Knowing that I've made a significant difference in their journey towards healing and stability is incredibly rewarding, reinforcing my belief in the importance of compassionate care #MentalHealthAwareness #PatientCare #Pharmacist

Empathy vs. Sympathy: Do You Know the Difference? Empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, truly understanding and sharing their emotions. On the other hand, sympathy involves feeling sorrow for someone, sometimes to the extent of taking on their emotions yourself. While sympathy is a compassionate trait, it may not always be the most constructive approach. Why Empathy Matters Developing empathy is crucial. It's a valuable skill that can help you remain calm, view situations from another’s perspective, and, most importantly, make others feel heard and understood. In healthcare, empathy is shown to enhance therapeutic relationships and improve patient outcomes. https://lnkd.in/ejZQUb9n How do you show empathy to your patients? Share your thoughts in the comments!

What are the two types of value you bring to people? The first is rational value - the appointment, the exam, the procedure. The second is emotional value - how the patient feels about being in your care. When patients don’t feel emotional value, they may be more demanding about rational value. They want more of your time, more tests, more something, because they are still wanting to believe they made the right decision in choosing you. People ask how I decided to write Split-Second Kindness: Making a Difference When Time is Limited. I wrote it because emotional value can be accomplished in little time, especially when it is created at the start of an encounter. For example: Wind and snow were swirling as I drove my husband to the front door of a new-to-us hospital where he would be admitted for a cardiac procedure. “You go check in and I’ll park the car. I’ll find you inside.” As I approached the main entrance, a man just ahead of me waited, holding the door. He worked in Environmental Services and offered a minute of kindness, just when I needed it most. Split-second moments of #kindness provide what people want most: For patients, a momentary break from worry. For staff, happier patients. Is there a moment of kindness received in your past and still remember? Please share in the comments! #patientexperience #splitsecondkindness #empathy #BridgeportHospital

"Traditionally, palliative sedation, a form of medical assistance in life, has been integral to end-of-life care, focusing on improving quality of life for terminally ill patients," David Zitner from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute writes in this op-ed. He continues: "However, the premise of MAID diverges, advocating for the deliberate acceleration of death to pre-empt potential future suffering — a concept laden with ethical complexities." Read more: https://lnkd.in/e9FfFa2M

Caregivers in any setting, including labs, are uniquely vulnerable to compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is a condition caused by repeated exposure to emotionally challenging, stressful situations that call for empathy towards other beings whether human or animals. Many factors are linked to higher compassion fatigue, including a lack of resources or training for compassion fatigue. We recognize the need for compassion fatigue support, and aim to help fill that gap. Through our Compassion Fatigue Resiliency initiative, we have compiled research papers, classes, self-care resources, and more, all focused on helping support resilience. Learn more about compassion fatigue and access our resource library here: https://lnkd.in/e_7dh4-q

conscious clinicians, you are flooded with email inquiries. You can't respond immediately because you're in sessions and need more funds or the support of an administrative assistant to do these things for you! Here is an email template that you can set to automatically respond as a way to manage response time expectations... "Hi there, Thank you for reaching out, and it's so nice to connect with you! I understand that seeking therapy often comes during times of stress or unexpected life changes, and I’m grateful that your journey led you to my practice. Taking this first step is significant, and I truly appreciate you considering me as a part of your healing process. While I’m currently in sessions with other clients, I want you to know that I’ve received your email. I understand the anxiety that can come with waiting for a response, but please rest assured that I’ll get back to you within 48 hours. (Optional: During that time, I’d love to schedule a brief consultation where we can determine if we’re a good fit, and I’ll happily answer any questions you may have.) Thank you again for your patience and for taking this step toward your well-being. I look forward to connecting with you soon." Warmly, [Your Name] ---- Relatedly, checking in to see if you have the emotional and energy capacity to take on more clients is important to your well-being and sustainability. It can be easy to take on new clients all at once, but this can inevitably stress you out on the administrative end when you're unsure of the frequency of how often you'll see them. #mentalhealth #therapists #privatepractice #clinicalsupervision

Whether you are at a crossroads, facing a health crisis, seeking insight, clarity, or validation on your next steps, or simply want to realign with your authentic self, Dr. Dolores is here to support you. 💕 🌟 Sessions with Dr. Dolores allow you to: ✅ Gain more clarity ✅ Reconnect with yourself ✅ Align with your inner knowing ✅ Clear and heal ancestral lineage patterns, trapped emotions, and inherited emotions ✅ Experience balance, a sense of calm, inner peace, and wellness. 👉 Check it out on Cleeri, https://lnkd.in/gijrZ2UM Dr. Dolores Fazzino, DNP, Nurse Practitioner, Medical Intuitive and Energy Whisperer ✨