Doc Warren

I remember when the practice opened. Large empty client medical cabinets, vast blank pages on the schedule sheets, things were so unsettled and so open. I had visions of a quite little practice where I would see a few clients, take a break on the hammock outside or perhaps paint. Some days I would do both. I received a great hammock for my birthday, it was quilted and oh, so comfy. I even set up my paints in an unused office. I had every color and brush in my collection and a stack of canvases to go with my rough sketches. Then the phone rang with my first client…

Recently a conversation was overheard that troubled me deeply. Two mental health professionals were talking about another who had recently published in a major journal. I had expected to hear support, possibly some constructive criticism or even that they had been inspired to write an article themselves. Instead I heard what I would define as a diatribe about how they disliked the writer, hoped she never got published again and that they could not believe anyone would support her in the first place. I was shocked to say the least. I was also very confused. Being curious (nosey?) I listened to the conversation that was taking place at the next table. I became more and more concerned and bewildered when it appeared that they were exploring ways that they could prevent her from reaching the next level. They explored the various ways they could block her via people they knew or connections they had. It was very sad to hear and any respect I may have had for them was soon lost.

It’s funny how things capture our imagination and trigger memories. I was just walking across the waiting room and noticed a smiling face in a car at the road; a client who is early for a session and looking up at the office. Now this was not one of my clients, but a client who is treated in this office. It does not have to be mine to bring about a smile in return. Her smile warmed my heart and I found myself instead of doing paperwork, feeling the need to write about the memories she brought out.

I am back from an awesome time at the ACA conference in San Francisco. It was a great time for this small town guy as I experienced both the West Coast but also city life for the first time. Though I can do without the pan handlers, sky scrapers and tons of people but minimal trees, I have a new appreciation for those who prefer the bright lights and big city life. I found myself really getting into the concept of public transportation, small shops and maid service; all of which are not found on a farm or my town. I was also humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement not only by the ACA staff but from my fellow members. So many treated me as if I were part of the family; hugs were plentiful and enjoyed. I can’t tell you how much it meant to me to be treated so warmly. As this was my first ACA conference I had imagined a lonely trip with me being lost in the shuffle.

It’s one of the more important things we do yet it is also the thing that many of us dread. Trying to consult with other professionals can be akin to trying to catch a greased pig with your feet; though it is statistically possible, very few of us have ever seen it. Phone tag between colleagues can last days or weeks, even when we attempt to set things up via email prior to the conversations. This to a certain extent should be expected; try to get two busy clinicians available at the same time is difficult due to emergencies, meetings, paperwork and related insurance practices and the reality that our clients need us, at times they need us a lot.