For a while now, we have defined our mission as dedicated to enriching the lives, careers and reputations of therapists worldwide. What I meant by ‘reputations’ was by helping to educate the general population on the importance and validity of ‘talk-therapy.’
But when I read it, I wonder if I am using the right word here. Would love your thoughts on how we could describe the mission. Please comment in the box below.
In gratitude,
Casey
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree with Donald in questioning the term “talk therapy.” We incorporate more than talk in our practices, we incorporate movement, art, writing, behavioral, drama, etc. I think that this is part of the educating the public and those in other related fields who do think of us as perhaps limited in scope, both as to our methodology and our treatment population. I know that I see many individuals, but that my systems training is invaluable as to how I perceive them and their presenting issues; we are not limited to doing only family and couples work.
I like the statement and I don’t really mind the word “reputation” and I do see how it could be viewed as wanting to recover from a bad one. So, in that light I suggest the word “contribution”. Comes from the more positive side if you view it as we make a contribution and now we plan on supporting one another with enriching that. May be it needs to be to sentences. One including the idea of “enriching lives and careers” and the other with the idea of “promoting awareness of the contribution” we make. ????
Dedicated to disseminating the empirical basis of the psychotherapeutic process; particularly its vital role in promoting quality, humane, cost effective, and ethical health care to the general public. We take an evidence based approach to public and professional education to enlighten others regarding the numerous, complex and inter related etiologies and consequences of psychosocial problems, their multiple effects on individuals, families and communities, as well as the economic and general welfare of society at large.
I would add something about “results”. Not only do you seek to enrich the lives and careers of therapists but to assure that they get positive and timely results for their clientele.
Okay – I need to make another comment… Hope you don’t mind.
I’ve been licensed since 1985 and have been hearing the same struggle coming from therapists since graduate school. It is the struggle of “are we perceived as good enough”. The answer is a resounding “YES! if you do good work, continue your education, and value your work as a professional then yes!”
So with that said… I believe strongly that any language from us needs to be one of affirmation – ie: recognition implies we don’t yet have it; increase our standing implies that we are at the low end trying (still) to creep our way up; increasing prominence implies that we are struggling to be seen…
Please know that I have a kind heart when I give this feedback – I do believe that us therapists need to be more bold in claiming the rightful place of mental health in the individual and world health picture.
Many good wishes to all.
dedicated to enriching the lives, careers and reputations of therapists worldwide
I would definitely suggest changing the word “reputations” as it does sound like we need to turn around a “bad” reputation.
Perhaps you are trying to communicate the following?
“dedicated to enriching the lives and careers of therapists worldwide in the interest of promoting mental health as an valued and integral facet of human health and development.”
It seems to me there are two competing aspects to the mission.
The first statement is self-interest of your therapists, the second is a more global belief in the art itself as a transendant form of change and human growth.
So is it really enhancing the lifes and careers of therapists while helping THEM learn ways to englighten the world to their craft? Or is one voice going directly into the laps of lay people, hoping to reach all 300 million Americans (and worldwide) about the value of therapy? Can that one voice simultaneously talk to therapists and lay people?
Okay, let me correct my typo
Instead of “reputation”, how about “recognition” -Jill
Insteach of reputation, how about recognition?
How about : “Dedicated to enriching the lives and careers of therapists worldwide while expanding the prominence of the work they do.”
Casey, you are my idol! Always love to see what you’re up to.
All the best,
Laura
I don’t care for the term “therapist” because it applies to so many professions and is therefore vague. Because I am a clinical social worker, I always identify myself as such, and take great pride in being one. If I want to lump all the related professions together, even tho we vary a good deal, I would use “mental health professionals” , but oops, I guess the insurance companies have changed it to “behavioural health”.
I am a hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner. Am I a “talk therapist”? I don’t think so, but maybe I am. Or maybe I am in the wrong place.
How about replacing “reputation” with “clinical goals?’
Your mission statement seems to be two statements wrapped up in one. You want to enrich the lives of therapists and educate the public. How about saying, “Enriching the lives and careers of therapists worldwide and educating the public on the life-changing benefits of the services they provide.”?
I know that for me, the clearer my mission, the easier it is to complete.
Melissa’s words ring true, especially the use of the word “advocating”.
Maybe public opinion instead of reputation. Casey, I like your new photo.
Maybe something along the lines of “public opinion” instead of reputation. Casey, I do like your new photo. Kate
A possible adverb to add would be “influence”
Thanks for giving all of us this opportunity!
Melissa said, “. . . dedicated worldwide to enriching the lives and careers of therapists while advocating the efficacy of talk therapy. ”
At first, I tended to agree, but as I think about it, our efficacy is part of our reputation, and our reputation aslo speaks to our ethics and way of being with people. I vote to leave it as is!
I prefer credibillty than reputation. Here in Hawaii , we establish our professional credibilty by being involved in various capacity, such as the legislature, the community and recently being approved as providers by most insurance companies. Our credibity is also measured by various mental health professionals by providing continuing education for our members or participation in conferences and workshop that educate the public on what we have to offer as psychotherapist.
Casey,
I always enjoy receiving your emails and updates. Thank you for the work you do! I really value it.
Regarding the mission statement, I’d suggest spelling out the reputation piece a bit more so that it reads more like this:
“. . . dedicated worldwide to enriching the lives and careers of therapists while advocating the efficacy of talk therapy. ”
Melissa Furuseth, M.A.
Depth Psychotherapist
Denver, CO 80218
I agree with Theresa..there is aneed to educate the public about what MFTs do and increasing our value in the field of psychology. Hopefully this will keep MFTs being compared to MSWs. I like “enhancing our standing”
what about “helping potential”, or “outreach possibilities”, or something like that?
replace “reputations” with “value”
Reputation sounds like we’ve been sullied and need to defend or spin that reputation in another way.
Status might work. Sometimes I think we’re looked at towards the bottom of the chain – Psychiatrists – Pyschologists- then the MFT who works on those ‘relationship’ issues.
As I write this, I hear ‘enhancing the standing or status’ of therapists.