Thinking, stressing, processing, feeling – just a few things your mind is constantly keeping up with. Whether or not you think it’s doing a good job, your mind is feverishly trying to take care of you; yet, we often forget that it needs care in return. Dr. Danielle McCarthy is a psychologist who shared with us her perspective on her profession and mental health at large.

Please tell me about your journey to becoming a psychologist. Did you always know who you wanted to be? What is your most favorite part of doing what you do?

No, I didn’t know who I always wanted to be…I mean does anyone really? I feel like I’m always growing, changing, learning. This was how I came to be a psychologist. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my future when I finished school, so I applied to get into Uni. I believe it was under a Bachelor of Social Work. I liked the psychology courses I did so I changed to that course the following year. Then when I finished my undergrad, I still had no idea what I wanted to do. I thought I would apply for the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology. I didn’t expect to get in as it’s very competitive. I did get in and started seeing clients through my internships and externships.

It wasn’t until then I realized how much I loved helping people. Since then I’ve just wanted to find ways of assisting as many people as I can with their mental health. So I started a practice and now work with seven other psychologists. In addition, I do a fair bit of online stuff to get as much information out there as possible. My most favorite part is hearing the stories of people going on to do things that their mental health concerns had previously held them back from. Seeing people overcome adversity and go on the shine is magical.

From your professional point of view, what do you think people struggle with the most?

Hmmm, tricky one. I think generally (and this is very general), most of us struggle with being in the present moment and not getting caught up in our thoughts. It’s these thoughts that typically drive stress, anxiety, depression, etc. I also believe a lot of people struggle with getting caught up in the negative crap going on in their lives and don’t give anywhere near as much time and energy to the positive stuff going on. Enter gratitude… which I am very passionate about. For many people, starting to show gratitude on a daily basis for the stuff that is going well in their life can help shift that “Negative Nancy” voice that likes to keep creeping in.

What is extremely common advice that you entirely disagree with?

For a person suffering from mental health issues, something that grates on my nerves a lot is when their feelings are invalidated. I want for people to see that empathy and validation doesn’t mean you have to AGREE with the person. But can you just validate that their feelings are true for them and they are hurting.

Can you listen, and hear their story and have compassion for the pain they are experiencing? You don’t need to problem-solve or fix them…just listen, empathize, validate.

What is the best piece of advice you could give someone about mental health?

Honestly probably what I answered to the previous question. I believe there is so much power in listening, empathizing, and validating a persons experience and the feelings they are having. Sometimes we need to let go of being problem-solvers and instead just sit with the person, remind them you are there for them and help hold them through their pain.

For more information and mental health tips please follow Dr. Danielle McCarthy on Instagram.

 

 

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