Treatment Predictions in COVID-19: Taking aim at a moving target
I vividly remember in graduate school, my professors would be belaboring the importance of not “thinking ahead” at what to say, but rather be present and listen. We essentially re-learned how to engage in human interaction, from a primal level. Specifically, we were programmed to actively listen. In case it’s not obvious, my graduate degree is in Counseling. Prior to those two years of schooling, I did exactly what they taught us not to do. I’d give advice when it wasn’t wanted. I’d express sympathy instead of empathy like the animated video by Brene Brown. And I sure as hell wasn’t truly listening. Now with COVID-19, I’m listening all-too-closely.
Programmatic shifts are happening daily. That’s not new news. Some Mental Health and Addiction Treatment facilities are not accepting new admissions, have changed staffing schedules, are shifting to virtual support, or they’re suspending operations and sending clients home altogether. No program is approaching this the same. As a Consultant, all I can do is wait and see what will unfold. From my lens, this fluidity translates to listening.
If you’re more of a visual person, hopefully this will paint a better picture. For anyone who is not trained as a clinician, we tend to hear what another person is saying while picturing a target. The target being your interpretation of what the person is saying and where the conversation is headed. As a listener, if you are focused on the target, and more specifically what you’ll say in response, you may have missed the other person’s point all together. My professors used to say:
“You cannot take aim in counseling, or you will miss the target altogether.”
The notion of actively listening, I mean truly listening, is a skill that takes time to master. If you take aim and take a shot, you may miss the opportunity for a true clinical breakthrough. To now translate back to what this means programmatically during the COVID-19 pandemic: we can try to comprehend what’s to come and take aim, but there’s a strong chance we will miss the mark if we aren’t listening.
No, I cannot predict how this will all play out in two months, let alone six months from now. Although my anxiety wishes I had that control, I’ve surrendered to know that’s just not possible. There’s too much that can change. For those of us working in the behavioral healthcare, mental healthcare industries, and addiction treatment industries I’m hope we stop and listen.
For questions or comments contact Joanna.
