What can be more important?
When I am at peace, my mind, body, and soul (the seat of my emotions) are in alignment with each other. This peace represents a balanced life. If my mind is in distress, it affects me physically and emotionally.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. WHO defines mental health as a state of well-being where the individual is aware of his or her abilities, can cope with normal stressors, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”.
CHS has been blessed as an agency to provide mental health services in Stanislaus County for over 25 years. In many of our communities, there has been a stigma associated with mental illness; consequently, therapy services are a major obstacle to getting professional help. By partnering with BHRS and the schools in our county, we have broken through some of the barriers that exist in getting the help one needs.
CHS has been given an opportunity to educate, empower and equip the community at large in providing mental health services that meet the client and their families at the point of their need. It is our responsibility as therapists to have an unconditional positive regard for our clients. A good therapist has good listening skills, a love for helping others, displays appropriate ethical boundaries and creates a healthy environment. They should also be observant, authentic and reliable, and seek their own therapy when needed.
In my 22 years of working at CHS, I have had the honor and privilege to provide direct service and administrative support. It didn’t matter if we were a small agency or the size we are now; our clients, and our community are at the heart of what we do. Hence, Center for Human (Humanity) Services. I am so grateful I have had the opportunity to serve in my position as Behavioral Health Director. I have worked many places, but none can compare to the dedicated, committed, and innovative staff we have here at CHS.
Thank you for allowing me to serve in this capacity. Remember, if there’s breath, there’s hope. Hold onto it and do not let go. Hope can take you far. CHS, I see you in the future and you look better!