In general terms, the definition of professional development would be considered formalized training and education that help professionals stay current with the knowledge and skills of a particular profession. In the mental health field, this definition includes things such as; graduate school courses, internship or practicum experiences, supervision, and continuing education.
However, I think we would all agree that we need to expand on this definition when considering our professional development as mental health providers. Based on my own experience providing therapy, consulting with other providers and supervising many therapists in training, I have found that our clinical skills and professional identity are constantly evolving. Much of this evolution occurs outside of formal learning environments and at times occurs without the provider being aware of the transformation in the moment. It seems that each interaction with a client or another professional has the potential to shape my understanding of my work and refine my skills. In addition, I find that our personal life experiences may contribute to changes in our approach to clinical work. Most notably for me, becoming a mother shifted my work in ways that have surprised me. The journey of professional development seems unique to each mental health professional, but there also seem to be many similar themes.
I recently passed the 10 year anniversary of the start of my graduate school practicum and find myself becoming very reflective of the process that I have gone through in order to become the mental health provider and supervisor that I am today. And at the same time, I am curious about the mental provider I will become over the years until retirement (possibly 30+ years?). The below picture was taken the fall that I was in my practicum experience. Although, I don’t look all that different, I feel like a drastically different person, both personally and professionally.
I have tried to briefly summarize my reflections on where I have been, where I am and where I am going in terms of my professional development for purposes of this post, but find myself unable to be concise while also conveying what would be meaningful about my experiences. So, I imagine bits and pieces of those experiences will find their way into upcoming posts.
It is also powerful to witness and hear about the process of professional development of other mental health providers. It is interesting to note what themes tend to emerge. It is my intention to use this blog as a vehicle to help others share their stories and observations as well. Please let me know if you have something you may like to contribute.
I’d like to leave you with a few reflection questions. I am working on an upcoming post that will include a more extensive list of reflection questions, but this will get you started.
- What does professional development mean to you?
- What is your professional development story? Where have you been? Where are you going?
- What are the personal and professional experiences that have contributed to shaping the provider you are today?
- What are the formal and informal ways in which you continue to pursue professional development today?
Feel free to share any thoughts that came to mind as you process these reflection questions in the comments below. Please use caution not to share any remotely identifiable information about clients in the comments.
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on this post. I am excited to be launching this blog and website focused on a topic that I am so passionate and curious about.
Sarah
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