Lessons Learned from a Young Professional Entering the Addiction and Recovery Space

Slate Recovery supports the growth and resources for the entire local community. The practice connects with students and young professionals entering the addiction and recovery space. Slate Recovery’s staff knows the important of fostering relationships and growing support for years to come.

Are you interested in entering the addiction and recovery field? Slate Recovery is also always open to growing our team. 

Ray Wolber, Slate Recovery’s founder, takes the time to chat with their current practicum intern about what they have learned while growing with Slate Recovery and starting their career.

Jane Cupps is Slate Recovery’s newest practicum intern who brings a thoughtful and supportive contribution to the Slate Recovery team.

During this conversation, she explains the foundational needs that can be met for those experiencing addiction and what she’s learned with working alongside patients.

What drew you to the behavioral health field, and how did you know this was the career path you wanted to pursue?

Jane: I have always been drawn to helping professions, but I didn’t decide to pursue the behavioral health field until I engaged in counseling myself. I sought out counseling after experiencing a traumatic event, and it truly changed my life. It was so influential for me to have someone to discuss the hard things with who supported me and provided me with tools and insight to aid in my healing process. When I officially decided on a major in college, I switched from nursing to psychology with the intention of pursuing a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. I wanted to help others the way I was helped through one of the hardest times of my life. I saw more of my strengths within the counseling field and desired to use these parts of me to walk alongside individuals who desire additional support through the difficult situations they are facing.

As a student and practicum intern, what have been some of the most impactful lessons you’ve learned so far working with clients?

Jane: The most important lesson I have learned thus far is the importance of humility. It can be a daunting task to move from practicing role plays with classmates to sitting across from real clients. It did not take long for me to feel the weight of the newness of this season and the fact that I have never done this before. I have been learning how important it is to ask for help and how impactful it can be to get to learn from others. Whether it is consultation with co-workers, supervision meetings, or completing research on my own, there is so much for me to learn from the people who have gone before me in this field, and it is an honor to get to learn from them. I have been learning that in order to provide the best care for my clients, I have to recognize my own areas of growth and seek guidance to better understand concepts, tools, and practices to be able to share with my clients in a meaningful way.

What advice would you give to students or young professionals who are considering entering the mental health or addiction recovery field?

Jane:

You can do it! If this field is something you are passionate about and find value in, then all of the time, effort, and work that it takes to get there is completely worth it. The schooling can be overwhelming at times, but my encouragement would be to just take it one step at a time. Focus on the courses you are currently in and try not to overwhelm yourself with the unknowns of what comes next. I also recommend that if you are considering counseling as a profession and haven’t gone to counseling yourself yet, try it as a client first. There is so much value to getting to see it from the client’s perspective, and it can provide you with some clarity on what it can look like to be a counselor. If you are considering the addiction recovery field, I recommend taking classes or getting some experience within this field while you are in school. There are unique challenges, strengths, and things to consider when working with clients in this field, and it is beneficial to you and future clients to gain a better understanding of what addiction and recovery can entail.

For families who have a loved one struggling with substance use or mental health challenges, how can they take care of themselves and seek support during that process?

Jane: Self-care is so important, and it can look different for each person. Something that is easily lost or pushed to the side when taking care of a loved one with substance use or mental health challenges is hobbies and leisure activities. We must have healthy outlets to express ourselves and take care of ourselves to keep our cups filled and be able to care for and support our loved ones. This can look like coming back to a previous hobby or starting something new that feels attainable and not overwhelming. You can start small when it comes to the amount of time you spend doing it, and work up to incorporating it into a part of your routine. It is also important not to walk through this alone. Support groups, individual counseling, and seeking community with friends can be helpful outlets to give and receive support. You are worth taking care of amid the present challenges.

When someone is considering a treatment facility, what are some key things they should look for to ensure they’re choosing the right level of care and environment?

Jane: It is important that you feel safe and cared for, no matter what facility you choose. Getting help for mental health or addiction concerns can be very vulnerable and overwhelming at times. Asking for help takes courage and humility, so it is vital that wherever you go, you feel seen and safe. When choosing the right level of care and environment, it is important to consider your current needs. When reaching out to different treatment facilities, it can be helpful to ask what level of care they offer and have them help guide what level they think would be best, depending on your current needs and goals for treatment. Levels of care can fluctuate, depending on the season of life you are in, so it is important that you are honest about where you are at right now so you can be best supported with the proper resources.

You’ve recently relocated to Oklahoma, how can major life changes like moving impact mental health, and what has helped you navigate that transition?

Jane: Major life changes, such as moving, can greatly impact mental health. Moving to Oklahoma, my husband and I knew one person living here, so it felt very isolating and lonely in the beginning. My mental health declined the first year of living here due to the stress of a previous job, the change in life seasons, and learning to navigate restarting my life in many ways. The biggest things that helped to change this were time and seeking support from others. I needed to be patient with myself as I learned how to navigate getting around a new city, being away from my family, and building a community here. These things take time, and it is important to show yourself compassion and patience as you learn how to function after a major life change. It is also important to find ways to meet new people and get connected. It takes time and effort in the beginning to invest in new relationships, but it is vital to combat loneliness, feelings of depression, and isolation.

How important is having a strong social and support community, especially during times of change or stress?

Jane:

It is extremely important! Change and stress can come with overwhelming feelings of sadness, anxiety, frustration, and loneliness. It is so important that we do not carry this weight alone and seek to be in community with others. A strong social and support community can help shift our mindsets toward gratitude, joy, and feelings of fulfillment. It can be easy to want to withdraw during times of change and stress, but it is all the more important to combat this with community and connection. Reaching out to our support systems can help encourage us and remind us that we are not alone. It can also help us shift our perspective and remind us of who is there to help us in times of need. A support system doesn’t have to be extensive to be helpful, but meaningful connections with others can help support us through times of change.