Kelly M. Roberts, PhD, LMFT’s Post

This research is so essential to consider when thinking about well being. #publichealth Population centers bursting at the seams actually harm our brains due to the chaotic and multifaceted noise being generated. I posted yesterday about serving rural America. Here’s a follow up benefit to considering those choices. If you can’t live in the quiet, make sure to carve out time for your brain to get quiet when you’re able. It’s a good thing! #mentalhealth @aamft #wellness https://lnkd.in/gwQRxZwW

Dear #behavioralhealth colleagues: As a lifetime advocate for rural health and mental health, and now as a person living back in a very rural area, I've come to the conclusion that I need to do more. More, that is, EDUCATING about the opportunities and true need for rural healthcare providers. I live on the border of two sparsely populated counties in Oklahoma and there are three total licensed providers across those two counties. Do you love the outdoors? Do you believe in your career as a mission and a vocation? If so, please consider moving to rural Oklahoma and providing treatment to those who desperately need excellent care. The fishing is pretty good too! AAMFT #mentalhealth #behavioralhealth #wellness

If any public official in the United States spews or sows racism, division, contempt for one group over another (excepting those who foster hate as a full group), either explicitly or implicitly, their candidacy needs to be defeated. Progress re respect for all citizens has been painfully slow in our country in spite of the protections of the Constitution and its Amendments. As a white, non-Native, I stand the remarks of Mr. Macarro of National Congress of American Indians .

Loving this spontaneous “questions of the week” with our Oklahoma Christian University MSHS faculty in the MFT program. Today’s quick thoughts are over “what’s one thing you would encourage a couple to do every day?”

A few times each year I'm compelled to offer comments to federally managed initiatives, rules changes, or legislation development. This one is especially important to me. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Robert W. Nairn, PhD, BCES Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma The Chickasaw Nation Cherokee Nation Oklahoma Conservation Commission Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts KERR ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES INC AAMFT

Most of the time when I recommend articles or books I have something to say — about a meaning, a lesson, a thought…something. I’m recommending this read today because I have hopes that’s you’ll extract something from it, but I don’t know what that might be. I have many thoughts …. And I think you will too. Enjoy. https://lnkd.in/gbY228uR

**The tangible impact of hard-copy notes and micro-notes** In an article entitled, "The Psychology of Handwritten Letters and Its Impact on Business," the reader is told: The personal element of a handwritten letter should not be understated, as it can express individuality, while also bringing people together. Whenever I can, I take time to pen notes to my students, my faculty team, friends who live in different cities, and family. But a few years ago, I began penning "micro-notes" to strangers I'll likely never meet. Today when I was doing this, I smiled and took a photo because I was thinking about who might pick up the group of utility bill payments, and wondering if my tiny note would be seen. I've begun doodling cartoons on envelopes mailed to people I don't know, and making sure to personalize work products I send back. Here's why: recently a student told me that a note I had sent last fall was read and re-read by her over and over. "You wrote a sentence in there I needed to hear so badly..." she shared. Whether it's notes or tiny micro-notes, my hope is that you'll let "you" come through any written artifact with...whatever YOU have to share at the moment. Positive remarks. Encouragement. Thoughts... believe me, they'll be read.

We all have our professional heroes. This year I'm thrilled that one of my mentors and professional heroes will be delivering a keynote at the AAMFT #systemicfamilytherapy conference in Florida. Dr. Bill Doherty has been an exemplar "citizen therapist" in the area of MFT, behavioral health, and good-sense public policy. His work with the Braver Angels political discourse project is especially timely. Please join me, friends, for the programming and also for the essential debriefing after the training that happens at dinners, on the patios, and other places. Elizabeth Doherty Thomas, MS Shari N. Olarte, MA, CAE I'd love to see you there!!