Building Support Systems

Welcome to another episode of our Licensure Exams podcast . I'm Stacey Frost and I'm joined by co-host Dr Linton Hutchinson . So , linton , it's shaping up to be a real old-fashioned Michigan winter here . The sun and its cheerful warm rays are on vacation , and I wish I was down in hot and sunny Florida right now .

Well , you will be soon . The Florida Mental Health Association's conference in Lake Mary Florida is coming up and we'll be ready to welcome all of our studious therapists to our booth . Hey , do you know if Diana and Laura will be there ? Yep , how about ?

Sam . She's been amazing at coordinating all our presentations over the years . You can bet your bottom dollar she'll be there with bells on and ribbons in her hair . I can't wait to rummage through my closet , change into my Hawaiian outfit and finally get out of my long johns and winter garb . In the meantime , let's discuss support systems today .

Stacey , while you've been watching the mercury drop , I've been putting together some good stuff to share with all you therapists preparing for your exam .

When we talk about support systems , we're looking at more than just someone who provides emotional comfort to your client .

From a therapeutic perspective , a support system consists of all the individuals and groups who provide the client with feelings of safety , belonging , validation and support who provide the client with feelings of safety , belonging , validation and support , and sometimes what clients perceive as their support system may actually be counterproductive to their well-being .

That really highlights the need to help clients evaluate the quality of the client support network , not just the number of people around them .

As you're studying for your licensing exam , keep in mind that assessing support systems isn't just about making a list of who are in your client's life .

So am I right in assuming that Sushi Chef Kai from Publix wouldn't qualify as a member of your support system , linton Well .

I don't know about that . Kai's spicy tuna rolls have gotten me through some pretty tough days . But really , while having relationships with people in your community is great , a true support system goes deeper than casual interactions , no matter how much you appreciate that perfect wasabi to salmon ratio .

This distinction might appear in questions about treatment planning or crisis intervention , where you need to identify who can be counted on to help implement a safety plan or provide consistent support during recovery .

So what kinds of questions could you ask your client that would help them identify people and groups in their support system ?

How about ? Who can you talk to when you've had a bad day , who's your go-to when you have good news , or who are your friends that accept you regardless of your faults and deepest struggles , without judgment ?

Good question , Stacey . Also , reflecting back on what clients say about individuals in their lives can help them recognize existing supports they might have overlooked . Sometimes clients don't realize they already have supportive relationships because they're looking for support in very limited ways .

What about if your client mentions a pet ? I have to say my backyard chickens have been surprisingly therapeutic . They're not exactly lap pets , but there's something soothing about sitting outside watching them scratch around and listening to their happy little clucks . Plus , nothing beats the ego boost of having your feathered friends come running when they see you .

Aha , sure that isn't because you're bringing them some tasty mealworms . Anyway , that's a great example of how support can come in unexpected forms .

Agreed . We are , after all , social creatures and we need meaningful connections with other people to truly thrive . These connections help us develop better social skills , challenge our perspectives and provide the kind of complex emotional feedback that shapes healthy relationships .

Exactly , and this is where your role as a therapist becomes really important helping clients identify and strengthen human connections that contribute to their well-being . Sometimes clients might rely too heavily on pets or other passive forms of comfort , because human relationships feel too risky or have been sources of hurt in the past .

Okay , let's say you've determined that your client's support system could use a boost . What strategies would be helpful to build a stronger support network ?

Well , it's important to take a gradual approach . You might start by helping them identify existing connections that could be strengthened . Maybe there's a cousin they used to be close to or a neighbor they chat with occasionally . Then you can work on developing the skills and confidence needed to deepen those relationships .

And , of course , addressing any underlying issues that might get in the way of forming connections . Sometimes social anxiety , trust issues or past relationship trauma needs to be worked through first .

Exactly . Remember that building support networks often involves both internal and external work . Internal work might include challenging negative beliefs about relationships or developing better communication skills . External work could involve connecting clients with community resources , support groups or social activities aligned with their interests .

Let's look at a few case studies . The first involves a client let's call him Clinton , not be confused with Linton who is struggling with social anxiety . Initially , clinton identifies a limited support system consisting only of family members who , while well-meaning , don't fully understand his challenges .

This case shows how someone's interests can actually be a bridge to building a stronger support system . While Clinton's garden serves as a solitary refuge , it could also become a pathway to connecting with others .

I think I see where you're going with this . How might you use Clinton's passion for butterfly gardening as a way to expand his support network ?

Well , there are several possible approaches . He might start by joining online gardening communities , which allow for social interaction with less pressure . Or he could consider connecting with local botanical gardens or nature groups , where he'd meet people who share his interests and where the focus would be on the plants and butterflies .

And what's especially nice about this approach is that it's building on something that already brings him comfort and confidence . He's not just being thrown into random social situations . He's engaging with people around a topic where he has expertise and genuine interest .

he's engaging with people around a topic where he has expertise and genuine interest Exactly . Remember that when helping clients expand their support systems , you want to work with their strengths and existing interests . Clinton might feel more comfortable sharing his knowledge about butterfly species than making small talk at a coffee shop .

And the social anxiety might be less intense when the interaction is focused on something he's passionate about rather than on him personally . Plus , nature-based activities themselves can help reduce anxiety , so he's getting multiple benefits .

That's a BOGO . Let's look at another case . This one involves a teenager we'll call Lacey , not to be confused with Stacy , who's dealing with depression . Her parents are divorced and while both are very concerned about her well-being , their different approaches are creating additional stress .

This case highlights how even well-intentioned support can sometimes become problematic . Both parents want to help , but their contrasting styles are actually making it harder for Lacey to develop consistent coping strategies . Linton , what are some key considerations when working with a teen like Lacey to develop a more effective support system ?

First , you need to consider the developmental aspect . Teenagers naturally start shifting from family-based support to peer relationships , but still need stable adult guidance . With Lacey , you'd want to consider how to help her parents provide more consistent , balanced support , while also helping her build healthy peer connection .

Right . You might need to provide psychoeducation about Lacey's condition , teach specific support strategies and help family members understand the importance of maintaining their well-being while supporting Lacey .

And there's also the challenge of helping Lacey learn to communicate her needs effectively to different members of her support system . She needs to learn how to articulate her needs differently to different people . She might need one approach with her overbearing mother , another with her distant father and something entirely different with friends .

That's a great point . Support systems don't have to be one-size-fits-all . Different clients can play different supporting roles . The goal isn't to make every relationship provide every type of support , but rather to help clients build a network where all their support needs are met across different relationships .

Let's do a knowledge check to see if you're catching the key concept . What should be your first approach when working with a client with a limited support system ? A Refer them toa support group of peers working through the same issue . B Assess their existing relationships and help them identify support . C Focus on developing and building their social skills .

Well , did you get it ? The correct answer is B Assess their existing relationships and help them identify support .

This approach is most effective because it builds on existing foundations and helps clients recognize support they might not have acknowledged . It's also less overwhelming than immediately pushing for new connections and it helps clients feel more confident about their existing resources .

Let's do a quick recap before we sign off . Linton .

First , remember that assessing support systems goes beyond making a list of people in your client's life . You need to evaluate the quality , accessibility and nature of those relationships . Some relationships that seem supportive on the surface might actually be counterproductive to your client's well-being .

Second , building support networks often requires both internal and external work . You might need to help clients address underlying issues like social anxiety or trust problems , while also helping them connect with community resources and potential support people

Third , support systems are not one-size-fits-all . Different people can provide different types of support , and that's okay . Can provide different types of support , and that's okay . The goal is to help clients build a network where all their support needs are met across various relationships .

And finally , when helping clients expand their support systems start with their strengths and interests . As we saw with Clinton and his butterfly garden , these can provide natural bridges to meaningful connection .

Thanks for joining us today . Don't forget to visit us at the Florida Mental Health Association Conference in Lake Mary , Florida if you're in the area , and keep those questions coming . We love helping you prepare for your licensure exams .

Until next time remember it's in there .