10 Ways to Become a Respected Mental Health and Wellness Expert

Do you consider yourself a respected expert in your field?? In answering the question you may go through a list of check off boxes such as your experience, education, and credentials and the level of your success. You may also consider you skillset and your ability to teach and influence others.?

Over the years I have read books that define how to be successful or how to become an expert. One of those books was Outliers written by Malcolm Gladwell. In his book he talked about what it takes to be the best and the brightest and the most famous and successful. He asked the question: what makes high-achievers different? I read the book a couple of times including listening to it on audio books. There are two things that have stuck with me over the years. One was the notion that in order to be an expert 10,000 hours of practice was required.” Many researchers since have gladly disputed this success rule.

The other concept I remember is the notion of the “Matthew Effect” named by researcher Robert K. Merton. This idea is based on the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-30. If you are a Bible reader, you know the story by heart. A master puts his servants in charge of his goods while he is traveling and when he returns rewards or punishes his servants based on their willingness to take risks. The summary appears in verse 28. “Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this “play-it-safe” who won’t go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.” (Matthew 25:28 MSG)

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Maybe you know the heavenly meaning of this parable told by Jesus, but there is also a business lesson we can learn. Merton’s research suggests that those with certain advantages or resources receive even more development opportunities over time, while those lacking these advantages tend to fall further behind. Do you feel like you have been given the advantages and resources you need in order to excel?

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As an entrepreneur in the health and wellness space, do you have you the confidence to establish yourself as an authority beyond your degree, certification or license? Years ago when I read the book The Confidence Code by journalists Katty Kay and Claire Shipman,? I was shocked to learn that even the most successful women struggle with feelings of self-doubt. The authors even schooled women on the science and art of self-assurance. Their suggestions include, less people pleasing, less perfectionism, more action, risk taking, and fast failure. ??

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When I first became certified as a Christian Counselor, I asked myself the question “how can I become an expert?” After all, I had spent much of my career as a learning and development leader so did I have the time to really excel? What was it going to take? Maybe you are curious as well, so I decided to give AI a try and see what would be revealed.

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Here’s what I found.

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By following these steps and actively seeking opportunities to share your expertise and make a difference, you can become a respected mental health expert and expand your impact beyond the therapy room to reach and support a broader audience.

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1.???? Education and Training: Obtain a relevant advanced degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field. Pursue specialized training or certifications in areas such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based interventions, or any other areas of interest within mental health.

2.???? Gain Clinical Experience: Acquire practical experience by working in clinical settings such as hospitals, community mental health centers, private practices, or counseling agencies. Build a strong foundation in providing evidence-based therapy and working with diverse populations.

3.???? Develop Expertise: Continuously enhance your knowledge and skills in specific areas of mental health by attending workshops, conferences, and advanced training programs. Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in the field.

4.???? Obtain Licensure or Certification: Depending on your location and profession, obtain the necessary licensure or certification to practice as a mental health professional. This may involve passing licensing exams and fulfilling supervision requirements.

5.???? Establish a Private Practice: Start your own private practice to provide therapy services to clients. Develop a niche or specialization based on your expertise and interests, such as working with specific populations (e.g., children, adolescents, couples) or addressing particular mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma).

6.???? Offer Workshops and Trainings: Expand your impact beyond individual therapy sessions by offering workshops, seminars, or training programs on mental health topics. These can be targeted towards other mental health professionals, organizations, schools, or community groups.

7.???? Write and Publish: Share your expertise through writing articles, blog posts, or books on mental health topics. Contribute to reputable publications, online platforms, or academic journals to reach a broader audience and establish yourself as a thought leader in the field.

8.???? Utilize Digital Platforms: Leverage digital platforms such as social media, podcasts, webinars, or online courses to disseminate information, provide support, and engage with individuals seeking mental health resources. Create valuable content that educates, inspires, and empowers others.

9.???? Collaborate with Other Professionals: Collaborate with other mental health professionals, healthcare providers, educators, or community organizations to expand your network and reach. Participate in interdisciplinary teams or collaborative projects aimed at addressing complex mental health issues.

10.? Advocate for Mental Health Awareness: Get involved in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote access to mental health services. Participate in public speaking engagements, media interviews, or advocacy campaigns to advocate for positive change.

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Looking at the list, how many have you already accomplished? If you are like most, options 1-5 are already signed, sealed and delivered. You have the education, credentials, licensure and you have your own practice. What about the items listed in numbers 6-10? If you have not accomplished those area does that mean you are not an expert? Let’s explore some more.

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First of all the definition of an expert is : “one with the special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject.” While searching the dictionary I also checked on the definition of an authority: “one who has the power to influence or command thought, opinion or behavior.”

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Before you write yourself off and decide because you have not checked off numbers 6-10 you are not an expert, keep reading. What if I told you there is a space designed specifically for you that can easily help you to check off of the rest of the boxes and have you well on your way to establishing your expertise and authority beyond your degree certification or license? What if I also told you it would benefit not only you but also your clients? ?

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Welcome to Pearls Perfected Institute (PPI) where our vision is to “Become the keystone for innovation in mental health and wellness education by equipping professionals with a platform that nurtures growth, community and sustainable success. At PPI we are transforming mental health and wellness professionals into “experts” with user friendly technology that keeps clients learning long after their sessions. Visit Pearls Perfected Institute and learn how we can support you on your journey toward becoming a highly esteemed expert in the field of mental health and wellness.

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Dr. Janice?