NPI Reflects Spring 2020

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NPI REFLECTS SPRING 2020

Volume 10: Issue 1

The Other Side of the Couch – Staying Safe this issue

By Susan E. Hammonds-White, EdD, LPC/MHSP This city’s mental health community was rocked to the core by the sexual assault and murder of a counselor last December. Melissa Hamilton, assistant director of Crossroads Counseling, was stabbed to death in her office minutes after the conclusion of her last group. For a time it was feared that her murderer was a client of the agency; this proved to be incorrect as within forty-eight hours an arrest was made in the case. The crime was described as random and opportunistic by the police; no known connection existed between the counselor and the man who is accused of her murder. Mental health professionals of all types work in situations that by their very nature are unsafe. Confidentiality requires that the identity of clients be protected. The work of therapy is done one-on-one in the privacy and seclusion of a private office. Many therapists work in solo practices and are often at their offices late into evening hours. This tragic death has brought into focus the struggle that all of us, not only counselors, face in the world in which we live today. What are the steps that we can take that can at least mitigate the possibility of harm? (I would add that these concerns are addressed to both men and women – both are at risk in these situations). First and foremost, be aware of your surroundings. Take a moment to look at the situation before you leave a safe place to go to your car. Have keys at the ready if you are going to a car in a parking lot. Have a loud alarm that you can activate at a moment’s notice. If possible, do not be alone in walking to a car in a parking lot. Don’t assume that because it is daylight everything is fine. Crimes happen in daylight as well as at night. When you are in your office at night, if alone, even with a client, lock the outside door. It is worth the trouble of being interrupted to let your next client in, if it prevents unauthorized access by an unknown person. Continued on page 2 1

What is NPI? The Nashville Psychotherapy Institute or NPI is a 501(c)(6) non profit, professional organization. Founded in 1985, NPI now boasts 300+ members. www.NashvillePsychotherapyInstitute.org

Inside this issue: The Other Side of the Couch Susan Hammonds-White

1

From the Editor John Nichols

2

America the Dysthymic Cynthia Ezell

3

Making Sense of Prayers Paulette Jackson

4

Dutchman’s Curve David Sacks

5

Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship… Philip Chanin , Ed.D., ABPP, CGP

7

Farewell Thoughts to Combat Vets D. Kirk Barton

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Ecopsychology Selove, Martin, & Moore

10

Board Member Spotlight Lindsay Vaughn

12

Cultivating Kundalini Barbara Sanders

14


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