Welcome back to Tuesday Tips, where we gather insights from staff, participants, and community partners on navigating life’s challenges with resilience and strength. Today, we’re sharing valuable advice from Homes for The Brave and an Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) participant.

At Homes for the Brave, we believe every human being deserves personalized support when navigating the world of mental health. Human service agencies around the state work with various individuals, programs, and communities to provide specialized services tailored to the unique needs of those we serve. Homes for the Brave is a non-profit organization that utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to address multiple levels of clinical and community barriers or concerns. Wellness is a topic that often overlaps with different aspects of mental health services. Having the understanding that healing is a multi-faucet process, ensures that both the client and provider create a conducive environment for healing.

It is important to understand that layers of trauma, life experience, strengths, and challenges all influence the journey to healing and overall wellness. Providers and clients must understand elements of trauma, healing, recovery, and life sustainability. Substance use, medication management, therapy, and recovery are all topics of discussion that you may come across when working for or with a human service agency.

Before choosing a therapist or program, we must consider and address our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in totality. This should aid in reaching a proper choice for a mental health provider, program, or wellness regimen.

Here are a few tips:

“The proper fit”

Things to look for in “the proper fit”:

• Assess your needs
• Identify your challenges
• Research potential clinicians
• Check credentials
• Ask the right questions
• Services offered
• Consider the setting
• Accessibility
• Accepted insurances
• Communication style (In-person, video, or phone)

“Communication self-advocacy”

Ways to embody Advocacy and communication:

• Know your goals
• Prepare your questions
• Discuss your history
• Express your preferences
• Advocate for “YOUR” needs
• Trust your instincts
• Pay attention to what you’re feeling during the process

Watch the video below to hear from an MHC participant, Cynthia, with her tips for persevering through challenging times.