August 2007 MIM Meeting

Our guest speaker for the MIM meeting on August 13, 2007 was Laurie Grengs, M.A. Laurie is a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.

At first our chairs were lined up in front of the podium just like for any normal speaking engagement that we have. But Laurie quickly asked us if we minded changing our seating arrangement into a circle. She wanted us to be an equal part of her program. A collaborative effort started right from the start. It did not take us long to reassemble the chairs.

After we were done introducing ourselves, the discussion started with a key word EMPOWERMENT. Empowerment is being respectful of each other. This was our meeting that night. Respectful. There are five characteristics for people being empowered. Research says that these are critical for empowerment:

1. Willingness
2. Accountability
3. Dependable
4. Resourceful
5. Relentless

Empowerment comes from inside. However, some clients come in not feeling empowered. As a therapist, it is a privilege to be part of the client’s life. Just as a client needs to be empowered so does the therapist. From the first call, to the first appointment and throughout the client/provider relationship, she tells her clients that they do not have to share anything they do not want to, and do not have to answer any questions they do not want to. Now, of course, she does have to ask some basic questions to get some general information. That is how Laurie is empowered. She admits she does not have all the answers; she is the client’s guide.

So, the first steps are: a first call, set-up appointment, and talk about what client needs. Making sure to talk as two human beings on an equal level is crucial. Reaching the goal is important. You get to have choice in your life and in your therapy.

A common question often asked is what you do when a family member or close friend with mental health issues will not seek help. She says first you need to heal yourself before you can get help for someone who does not want help. That is where power comes from. Love unconditionally, no judgments.

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Theresa Dolata has been a member of SJA since 2002. She is a writer, a stand-up comic, photographer and massage therapist. Theresa currently resides in South Minneapolis and is a member of Vail Place, a support program for people with mental illness, and a member of St. Joan's Mental Illness Ministry.

You can check Laurie Grengs at her website at www.lauriegrengs.com or call her at 763-572-2326. Laurie also has a free referral service for people to find a psychologist in MN. The service is free of charge and is called “The Referral Net. Helping you find you find the psychologist of your choice.” For this s