When social media began its rise to prominence most people within our profession did not hear the call. Today, its transformative power and influence is without question.  And yet, who within our industry has taken steps to become a part of this technical revolution?
Before I attempt to answer the question, take a look at this video my friend, Melissa Mitchell-Blitch, was kind enough to share with me. Then take a look at some of the work being done by some extra ordinary mental health professionals from across the country.
The “NOT Most People†List
Susan Giurleo PhD
Dr. Giurleo is revolutionizing the way we integrate clinical practice with emerging technologies through her groundbreaking Homework Survival Bootcamp System. She offers a comprehensive educational and clinical program to parents and teens through a series of online videos. In addition, her program offers daily support for children by meeting them “on their turf†(through the use of email and/or social networking). Her program is receiving rave reviews from parents and children alike. See what all the fuss is about at www.homeworksurvival.com
Melissa Karnaze
Melissa Karnaze is a recent graduate from UC San Diego with a degree in Cognitive Science (specializing in clinical aspects of cognition). She is using her love of this topic to courageously explore the cognitive sciences and share them with a community of like-minded people. Hear what she has to say at http://mindfulconstruct.com
Brian Sullivan, PsyD
Dr. Sullivan is an innovator through and through. While he is known for his work in adult ADHD assessment, marriage & couples’ therapy, and stress management services he also continues to explore new areas within the mental health profession. At present, he is using technology to foster a rich and rewarding conversation through his Live Better Forum Café. It’s a place where people can share tips and resources for a healthy lifestyle. In addition, he and his wife are working tirelessly to help fight Breast Cancer through his Fight Like A Girl Website and Blog.
Barbara Melton, LPC
Few practitioners have had as much impact within the South Carolina mental health professional community than Barbara Melton. She operates an ever-expanding listserv that unites a professional community from the Upstate to the Lowcountry. Trainings and events often do not take place without the power and influence of her email distribution list. And she does all of this free of charge! Want to be a part of her list? Email me and I’ll send you her information.
Barbara Jordan LPC
Barbara Jordan is an LPC turned Life Coach. She has spent years studying organizations in order to use her mental health background to help businesses achieve optimal performance. Barbara has recently written a book and offers coaching and consultation for businesses across the country. Go to her website at http://www.advantedgesuccesscoaching.com/ to see all that she is doing on her path to success.
Lisa Holland, PhD
Dr. Holland was looking for ways to explore and share her work on the connection between our emotional health and heart health. She recently created a Blog dedicated to helping people know more about how emotions link to one’s thoughts and ultimately to one’s heart. She is using her research to help Cardiology Practices, organizations and individuals. Learn more about what she is doing at http://lisahollandphd.com/
Jeremy Dean
Jeremy Dean is a University researcher at University College London. He has used his love of psychology to create a blog (Psyblog) with over 21,000 subscribers. His readers come to the site to learn more about the inner workings of the mind. If you want to know how to build a following then take a look at what Jeremy has accomplished.
Melissa Mitchell-Blitch LPC
“Not all those that wander are lost.†~ J.R.R. Tolkien
Melissa proudly displays this quote on her website and it gives you an idea of just how committed she is to exploring new areas within the profession. She offers an intriguing blend of mental health and wealth management skill and education. Her first career was in the field of wealth management and she is using this expertise to provide much needed help to those who are struggling with money management. Her passion around this topic has garnered local and national attention through research she conducted in the area of compulsive shopping.
If you or your clients would like to learn more about the work she is doing please visit her blog at http://tendrils.vineyardcounseling.com/
Julie Cohen LMFT
Julie Cohen is a Los Angeles based Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals dealing with PTSD, Anxiety,Panic, Life Transitions and Gay & Lesbian issues.
She is also the founder of Links for Shrinks, a social networking site for mental health professionals. It’s a great online community where you can promote the work you are doing and find new opportunities within the field.
Check it out at http://linksforshrinks.ning.com/. It’s free to join and well worth the effort.
In Closing
These are just a few of the amazing professionals I’ve come to know who are using technology in unique and creative ways. They are helping to pave the way for new opportunities within our profession.
Here’s to wishing you similar success!
NOV
David,
Thank you for continuing to drag me kicking and screaming into the modern age of communication and marketing!
Dave, your having so graciously included me and any resulting favorable bias fully acknowledged, I have to say that this is one of the most compelling posts yet, and the “is social networking a fad?” video is truly a must-see.
Your list exemplifies one of my own guiding mantras, “be distinctive, ” and I hope others will contribute their own suggestions for other “not like everybody else” exemplars.
I am working very hard on catching up on how to use the social technology to start my private practice and also to keep it ethically away from my personal life. I have been recently looking at Dr. Susan Guirleo’s website information which has been very helpful! Showed me really how much I have to learn!
Glad all of you enjoyed the post and please encourage folks to come check it out so we can continue the discussion!
david
David,
Thanks for including me in your”Not Most People” list. Your blog is also an innovative approach to sharing new perspectives on the business side of mental health. I will post and link to this from MY blog tomorrow!
David,
I am so honored to be a part of this wonderful list. It is always exciting for me to learn more about how mental health is leveraging technologies for the better.
That video was pretty amazing, it gave me chills to see the impact of social media on how everyone is connecting with the world.
You have inspired me to make a similar post on my own site, so thank you! I think that it’s so important for professionals to realize the potential of using technology to share their important work!
David,
As my kids would say, “Dude, sweet!” Thank you so much for putting in good word for me, tooting my horn so to speak. That is very thoughtful and generous of you. It proves that you are truly a master networker. Thanks again!
Hi David,
Thank you so much for a listing in this “very cool group” – I hope I can meet you all in the future!
Since you won’t add yourself – I’m doing it!
David Diana, LPC
A therapist turned “Marketer for Therapists” who unselfishly promotes people and the services they offer. As I see it, David’s plan has 5 steps – he:
1. Begins with an invitation to a seminar
2. Offers reasons for thinking differently about the practice of therapy
3.Provides examples of others who have gone ahead and ventured out into the wild
4. Gives us tools to use
5. Acknowledges efforts when we actually go for it
Most marketers stop at #4 but David does not. He incorporates a bit of gold into his plan…the element any good therapist knows – the value of acknowledgment!
Lisa