As we begin Women’s History Month, I can’t help but reflect on the powerful women that came before me and the influential women who continue to inspire me today.
Specifically when thinking about my chosen career path, I am reminded about those significant leaders in the mental health field that have influenced me to practice in a way that fits for me—a way that is collaborative, honoring of my client’s strengths, and that is open to new knowledge.
This month, I’d like to share with you a little bit about those who have inspired me in this field. Check out below if you would like to read a bit more about these powerful women leaders in the mental health field.
Virginia Satir
“Life is not what it’s supposed to be. It’s what it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.” –Virginia Satir
Virginia Satir, an author and social worker, pioneered how she approached family therapy. Satir believed in a loving and nurturing approach that focused on clients’ experiences and systems rather than any inherent problems within the client.
If you would like to read more about Satir’s life and work, you can check out an article here.
Insoo Kim Berg
“There is a way to see it and there is also another way to see it.” – Insoo Kim Berg
Insoo Kim Berg initiated the use of Solution Focused Brief therapy, which is a postmodern form of therapy that trusts that the client is the expert of their own life. Berg’s goal for herself as a therapist were to align with her client’s strengths and to work with them to come up with options and solutions for growth– rather than having the work be problem-focused.
If you are interested in seeing more of Berg’s therapeutic work, you can check it out here.
Brené Brown
“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” – Brené Brown
Brené Brown is a scholar, author, and research professor studying vulnerability and a sundry of other social and emotional contexts. Brown has wonderfully inspiring books and speaking videos where she shares the nuances of courage, compassion, connection, and vulnerability. One of my favorite Brené Brown pieces is a video on the distinctions between sympathy and empathy, which can be found here.
However you spend this Women’s History Month, we hope it is filled with inspiration, and as always, with Jubilance.
