We recently connected with Julia Collman and have shared our conversation below.
Julia , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
How did I find my purpose. I must say I found my purpose earlier on in my life, has a teenager as a matter of fact. My father had diabetes and became very ill. My aunt who was a nurse, taught me how to care for him alongside my mother. She taught me how to check his urine for signs of elevation in his sugar level and what to look out for. My dad unfortunately died in my arms when I was 15 years old, and I knew from then on that my purpose in life was to care for people on one level or another.
I went on to become a nurse and found that job to be very fulfilling. However, having patients who sometimes just want to talk, being a bedside nurse doesn’t allow the time to do that. So I went into homecare nursing, there I saw a tremendous need for mental health counseling. Be it the patient who is struggling with their sickness and the challenges they encounter daily, or the caregivers, who in spite of being burned out have to still carry on for the benefit of the patient.
So I went on and further my education and became a licensed mental health therapist, to be more equipped to assist this particular population navigate the challenges of life.
My latest project is geared towards formulating groups for medically complex kids, those on Ventilators, tracheostomy and gastric tubes. Due to my medical background and currently working with this population. I see the isolation, depression, and frustration of these kids who long to see themselves in someone else. So that they can have a sense of belonging, as Maslow so eloquently put it in his hierarchy of needs.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My latest project is geared towards formulating groups for medically complex kids, those on Ventilators, tracheostomy and gastric tubes. Due to my medical background and currently working with this population. I see the isolation, depression, and frustration of these kids who long to see themselves in someone else, but not being able to go out and mingle with their peers. So that they can have a sense of belonging, as Maslow so eloquently put it in his hierarchy of needs.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three most important qualities that I feel one should possess, number one is empathy. You have to be able to put yourself in someone else’s shoe and see where they are coming from in order for you to understand and provide the help they need.
The second quality is being trustworthy. It is of utmost importance that your client feels comfortable enough with you, that they are able to open up and trust you with their mind, non-judgmentally.
And third, authentic. You have to be yourself. You can’t pretend to be something that you’re not, because your client will see right through it, eroding the trust that is so needed for a therapeutic relationship.
My best advice is to be yourself. Meet your clients where they are at in their journey. Build trust and a therapeutic relationship to help them navigate the challenges they face.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed and stressed, I hit the gym. I love to exercise and try to work it into my schedule as much as possible. If I can’t make it to the gym, I workout at home, just to get those endorphins going.
My advice for someone who feels overwhelmed, do something that you love to do. Something that makes you feel happy. Do it even when that negative thought creeps in and tells you all the reason why you shouldn’t do it, because once you get started, endorphins start to flow, you’re going to be happy you did.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://desiesplace.com/
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/p/Desies-Place-LLC-100067884279031/?_rdr
- Other: https://redlinerescue.org/Clinicians.aspx?userId=379
Image Credits
Simone Champagnie
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