Collaboration... An Important Piece of the Puzzle

By Wesley Kanchepera

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 | Re-printed from the MeadowLark Fall/Winter 2009 Newsletter

It has been said that "success begets success," but I believe that recognizing one's own failures and limitations can be a powerful catalyst for success - when it is turned into a milestone, not a benchmark. The word "milestone," in this sense, insinuates a course of action that is progressive in nature. Many times I hear therapists say to their patients "take it one day at a time," and I think this is down-to-earth, as one cannot foresee what tomorrow might bring. It is almost as if one is learning to walk again, taking small baby steps of faith that will ultimately yield the greatest gift - recovery.

I am not professionally trained as a therapist, nor do I possess in my name a graduate college degree; however, working for The Meadows for the last four and a half years as a mental health technician has greatly contributed to my appreciation of collaborating with patients to reach their goals, regardless of color, race, and educational backgrounds. Upon arrival, every patient goes through the same intake process, wherein the terms and conditions of admission are explained, which ensures patient involvement even in the initial phase of treatment. This collaboration is further enhanced by the evening counseling staff, who not only orient each patient to the facility, but also sit down with the patient for an individual counseling session to ensure that he or she has input into the treatment plan. This building of a therapeutic alliance is the basis for The Meadows' treatment plan and a solid rationale for ongoing patient success.

Through my day-to-day interaction with patients, I have come to realize that allowing them to have a say about their recovery not only builds trust with staff, but also fires them up with courage to wholeheartedly engage in the healing process, producing sustainable change. Of course, this kind of staff-patient interaction involves a great deal of active listening, as well as a commitment by staff to ensure that the patient's voice is heard.

Furthermore, The Meadows continues to implement the "Peer Support System," which acts as an anchor for patients who are discouraged or having second thoughts about being in treatment. When this happens, the peer support group may be asked to talk to the individual who needs encouragement and support. The goal is not so much to force an individual to stay in treatment, but rather to illuminate the importance and benefits of continuing with treatment. It does make a difference, I have observed, when patients are supportive of each other. It creates an atmosphere of love and acceptance, which I believe helps patients find their way to serenity and healing.

How does collaboration fit into this picture? It echoes the voice of our mission statement, which, in essence, states that The Meadows is committed to partnering with its valued patients and their families to provide hope and healing. I believe that taking even the smallest step of action toward restoring one's well-being can set the stage for bigger things to take place.

The mere fact that our patients have chosen to engage in treatment can be a milestone on their roads to recovery. I am learning that it is not always the big things in life that bring change and significance; sometimes, the small day-to-day tasks, such as choosing to get out of bed on the first day of treatment, make all the difference. It may seem insignificant at the moment, but, like a pixel, it is still an integral part of the bigger image - in this case, recovery. Milestones are created when one is willing to take every step necessary to excel in treatment, including applying oneself to the healing process. When this happens, miracles do take place. ∞

Staff Spotlight

Wesley Kanchepera was born and raised in Blantyre, Malawi, in southeast Africa. In 2003, he had the opportunity to work for Population Services International (PSI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and sustaining the health of all Malawians through the dissemination of educational and preventive HIV/AIDS/STI messages.

In 2004, while working as a Behavioral Health Technician for ChildHelp USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, Wesley was introduced to the concept of nonviolent crisis intervention as it relates to enforcing positive behavioral change.

For the last four years, Wesley has worked for The Meadows as a mental health technician, which has taught him about codependency, addictive behaviors, affective disorders, and other psychological disorders. Wesley shares, "To this day, it does not cease to amaze me how challenging and yet rewarding my experience has been here at The Meadows. I think it is because, with every challenge that arises, comes an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life - even if it means just a single soul."