Expertise

[judecorp]

One of the things I like about my workplace is the overarching philosophy that governs how we relate to and interact with our families. When we start working with a family, one of the things we make an effort to point out first is that though we have some training and knowledge in child development, we acknowledge that it is the caregivers who are THE experts on the child, simply by knowing them best. And that while we may offer suggestions and strategies to help stimulate development, it is the caregivers' persistent hard work that will make progress happen. It's a really hands-off, client empowerment approach that I /really/ like. It jives well with me.

And I guess that's one thing that is stuck in my head about this acupuncture provider - there have been no acknowledgment of strengths, no credit to myself as someone who knows my body, no positives except what THEY are positive they can accomplish. I suppose this bothers me so much because it runs so counterintuitively to everything I believe as a therapist and in my approach with people.

I love when my families celebrate their children's milestones or accomplishments and I can say, "You guys worked really hard," and, "This is improving because of what you do." It is not about me being a superhealer and running around Dorchester and Roxbury 'fixing' children - it's about showing families ways that they can help their children make developmental progress in their day to day lives and family routines. I help families learn how to incorporate stretches into their diaper changes, how to fill their house with language stimulation about topics they enjoy, how to help their child learn new play skills using whatever objects they have around the house. But more importantly, I help parents realize that they are the most knowledgeable, most important, most beneficial partners in the treatment process. And I think maybe I would have liked a little more credit in my own treatment process.

This may not be the field I want to work in forever or even someplace I ever saw myself spending time, but I appreciate the fact that we are all strengths-based, empowerment-focused people who work our butts off to genuinely help families. I work in a building full of people who give a shit, really and truly do - people who become emotionally attached to families and staff and who get fired up about injustice and setbacks. It's pleasant.

Comments

[siercia]

I think that is often what puts me off doctors in general - that failure to recognize that as an intelligent adult, I expect to get treated like a parnter in treatment, not a child to be talked down to. I totally hear you.

And it is great that you take that attituce with your clients. Especially because it's so ntirely true. Their entire lives, their children are going to do better and be stronger if they have parents who can be their best advocate. Teaching the parents that early has to be such an enormous help to those kids.

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

Yes, I hate having doctors like that. I kind of run into that a little bit at the fertility clinic. I call up with well-meaning questions and kind of get the "yuk yuk, silly girl, don't you remember that we know everything?" bit. I think sometimes doctors miss the boat when they don't listen enough to patients. Patients may not always have medical expertise but they sure know what is going on in their own bodies!

I think it's unfortunate that some parents don't realize that they are the singlemost dynamic force in their child's growing up... as if kids kind of grow up by themselves. It's nice to be able to remind people that they are #1.

[stapynam.livejournal.com]

those are the same reasons i love working in the icu so much. it's ironic, given that the icu is the height of medical intervention and control. but the team here is more concerned with what the family wants and giving them objective info to help them make the best decisions for their family then anywhere i have worked.

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

I believe it. I know when I have had loved ones in the ICU, the nurses there were always incredibly awesome. And all of my families who have had children that spent time in the NICU continue to write to and visit their nurses because they had such an amazing impact on them. You do good work!

[sassywoman.livejournal.com]

Meant to comment on your acupuncture experience earlier. I think it's just awful what you're going through with it. I wish you could see my guy. He suggests overall healthy eating and that's all we discuss. Acupuncture should help relax you and make you feel good about yourself.
I would find another...

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

I wish I could see your guy, too. He sounds awesome.

I could really use someone to help me relax. Relaxation isn't one of my strengths, and I am trying to work on it but was really looking for some help!

[sassywoman.livejournal.com]

I hear ya sista! I'm a freaking ball of nerves right now.

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

I could send you a couple of relaxation CDs that estrange sent me...

[sassywoman.livejournal.com]

Oh, no worries. I've got some really good ones. Thanks!

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

No problem!

[indigodove.livejournal.com]

That is how we worked too...and a good doctor/medical practioner really should recognize you as the expert on your own body and how it works. No surprise that the doctors could stand a lesson or two from the social workers :-)

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

No kidding. Social workers are THE BEST!!

[sudrin.livejournal.com]

lol.. Its clever how you "hid" the shot of you in your hot swimwear! I had to actually click on the picture and see the NEXT flickr shot. ;-)

[judecorp.livejournal.com]

Ha ha ha, I didn't do it to torture you, I swear. :)