Unconditional Positive Regard

Welcoming two new Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners to the team

There is a term in the field of psychology called “unconditional positive regard.” It’s the act of offering complete support and acceptance of a person, not allowing their words or actions to change one’s opinion of their inherent value as a human. It is a key component of the care provided by Duffy Health Center’s psychiatry team, which is further bolstered by the team’s integration with Duffy’s other departments.

Some of the individuals in our care have unfortunately not been held in positive regard by society, or have primarily experienced relationships based on conditionality. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Myrna Janvier (top, second from left), who joined the team in February, shares, “When I was working as a nurse, I would get reports about certain patients’ behaviors that would not match my experiences with them. I realized that my rapport was different with psychiatric patients because I approached them without fear, and with the dignity and respect I would offer anyone else. That was what led me to pursue my advanced degree in psychiatry.”

The integration of care at Duffy Health Center facilitates the psychiatric providers’ ability to support patients in addressing the issues that may otherwise exacerbate their mental health concerns, such as medical issues, housing instabililty, or substance use disorder.

“Working in the community health center setting is really unique, especially at a place like Duffy, where everyone is so committed to our mission,” shares Carol LeProhon, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (top, second from right). “Many aspects of today’s medical field can feel transactional, but with the patientcentered model we’re able to take our time and work to build a relationship with our clients, offering them that unconditional positive regard. We have the ability to provide several types of support to them and work closely with their medical providers and case managers to ensure the best outcomes.”

Dr. Deborah Field (top, left) has been providing care to individuals experiencing homelessness for over 30 years, and is a strong proponent of the Housing First model offered by Duffy’s Case Management team. She sees a deep connection between her patients’ mental health and the physical spaces they inhabit. “Nothing motivates people more than having housing,” she says. “When our patients get housed, they feel society values them so they start valuing themselves, holding themselves in a positive regard.”

“When I worked with psych patients through travel nursing, it took me back to the memories of a relative who died of a psychiatric illness back home in Cameroon,” shares Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Jacky Njebu (top, far right), who joined Duffy this past January. She has seen the ways that a lack of understanding of mental health issues can stigmatize individuals experiencing them. “I know the outcome would have been different if we had understood what was happening. I want to be of help here in America and back at home, where mental health issues are not well understood.”

Both Jacky and Myrna are recent graduates, and are glad to have landed at Duffy. Myrna shares, “I chose to be here because when I interviewed with the staff, what struck me was the structure and the support that they provide one another. Having that support will be really important to starting this new career.” Jacky also noted the team environment at Duffy, saying, “I wanted a job where I can grow and learn and really help people. The more I see of the work the Duffy team does, and all the different types of care provided to our patients, I know I made the right choice.”

We are grateful to our psychiatric clinicians for the care and unconditional positive regard they provide to our patients.