Just for a change - I thought I would give you a Mark break!
As you know, I love to tell you readers about my progress, as you have been a pretty important part of my journey so far!
I have now been in my position within the NHS mental health services for just over a year, and its been the most amazing and scary year so far. I used to hear about people who loved their jobs, who felt absolutely fulfilled in their employment etc etc, but I had never really felt that way about any of my jobs in the past. Sure, there have been times when I know that I have been and done exactly what is needed at the time in a specific role, but I have never felt more happy - or more ‘ me’ in a job than I do now.
Over Qualified
Having such a specific qualification base (Theology!) I didn't think I would have very many transferable skills - but I was proved so wrong. Fortunately my role requires me to use my people skills, my counselling skills, but, more importantly, it encourages me to tell my survival story (a story which I increasingly love telling).
This really excites me, and encourages me - to keep on keeping on, because what I share can actually make a difference to someone's life. However, I never thought I would ever be in a position where I would be preparing to tell my story at a university (full of really clever Clinical Psychology final year students), but the universe surprises you doesn't it.
The Deep End
So during the snow and ice debacle of 2 weeks ago - Mark and I ventured into the university area of Leeds, (The Worsley Building to be precise), to be met by my 2 Doctor colleagues with whom I would be delivering a Trauma Informed practices lecture, to a group of Clinical Psychology students. As I walked into the reception area, I'm sure I could smell brain power and intelligence, and it made me feel totally in awe, and out of my depth all at the same time. Why would anyone be interested in what I've got to say?
…Until next time.
Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think.
New Tales Of Old
Death Ship
Pestilence: Drabbles 1
Reaperman: Drabbles 3
The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu
Eldritch Investigations
So during the snow and ice debacle of 2 weeks ago - Mark and I ventured into the university area of Leeds, (The Worsley Building to be precise), to be met by my 2 Doctor colleagues with whom I would be delivering a Trauma Informed practices lecture, to a group of Clinical Psychology students. As I walked into the reception area, I'm sure I could smell brain power and intelligence, and it made me feel totally in awe, and out of my depth all at the same time. Why would anyone be interested in what I've got to say?
Luckily (for me, and everyone actually) the NHS is really looking at how trauma can affect a person, and how treating that person in a trauma informed manner can really impact a positive treatment outcome for them. Really clever people are realising that people react in certain ways if they have trauma in their lives, a fact that those of us who have experienced trauma know only all too well. Focus is now slowly shifting to looking more deeply into peoples trauma, and treating them with dignity, trust and empowerment. I could literally talk about this all day, but you've all got your own lives to lead.
Lived Experience
Anyway, after initially feeling very overwhelmed, I was suddenly feeling really passionate and excited as I met my co lecturers. I have to add though, my excitement escalated when I was given an ID badge with ‘ Tina Rankin - university Lecturer ‘. (I couldn't keep it as a souvenir unfortunately due to security)
To cut a lengthy and tedious account fairly short - I was met by a group of about 25 students who were in their last months of training. They had already qualified as Psychologists, but were now completing their post grad in clinical psychology. I have to say, they were all very lovely, very attentive, very knowledgeable and experienced, but were all captured by my lived experience of surviving crisis, abuse, mental health issues, and managing to turn my life around so that my experiences could help others - including health professionals like them.
I don't think I have ever felt as validated and empowered as I did after that day at the university, it was a truly amazing experience, and one that I hope to repeat in the future.
Adult Content
This experience in particular has reminded me of a promise I made to myself when I was going through my darkest times. I said - that if anything good was going to come out of this mess, if I was destined to survive, then It had to be me using my experiences to help others to also survive.
Lived Experience
Anyway, after initially feeling very overwhelmed, I was suddenly feeling really passionate and excited as I met my co lecturers. I have to add though, my excitement escalated when I was given an ID badge with ‘ Tina Rankin - university Lecturer ‘. (I couldn't keep it as a souvenir unfortunately due to security)
To cut a lengthy and tedious account fairly short - I was met by a group of about 25 students who were in their last months of training. They had already qualified as Psychologists, but were now completing their post grad in clinical psychology. I have to say, they were all very lovely, very attentive, very knowledgeable and experienced, but were all captured by my lived experience of surviving crisis, abuse, mental health issues, and managing to turn my life around so that my experiences could help others - including health professionals like them.
I don't think I have ever felt as validated and empowered as I did after that day at the university, it was a truly amazing experience, and one that I hope to repeat in the future.
Adult Content
This experience in particular has reminded me of a promise I made to myself when I was going through my darkest times. I said - that if anything good was going to come out of this mess, if I was destined to survive, then It had to be me using my experiences to help others to also survive.
=
Amidst all of this excitement - we had issues with our Electricity - we haven't had a washer for over a week, I dropped a plate, I ordered a blanket and got a hair slide, and I locked myself out of my brand new phone. But am I content? Am I happy?. There is an easy and simple answer to that…abso-flippin'-lutely !
…Until next time.
#
Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think.
New Tales Of Old
Death Ship
Pestilence: Drabbles 1
Reaperman: Drabbles 3
The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu
Eldritch Investigations
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