For this experience I learned how to interact with patients in a safe setting where mistakes were able to be made. Even though we had a mental health clinical this semester; I gained a deeper insight into the four different mental illnesses today then through those clinicals. In my clinical this semester I worked only with kids ages 8-12 which more so have behavioral issues rather than bipolar, substance abuse, or schizophrenia. My exposure to different mental conditions was quite limited prior to this simulation. 

With all simulations comes some challenges to overcome. I found myself sometimes struggling to find the word on how to continue a conversation or felt I didn’t have enough knowledge to properly help the client. For example there was the conversation about ECT where I have a foundational understanding about it however I have never seen or experienced it in real life. Explaining it sounds scary and overwhelming and I hesitate on how to support the client when I myself didn’t have all the information. Another challenge I experienced was working within a group of four. It was definitely an adjustment letting us all speak and finding a flow where there weren’t interruptions and we could all build on each other. With both these challenges, we worked as a group and talked them out, picking up where each other left off to fill in the gaps as well as pausing to let eachother speak. 

I learned about the importance of meeting the patient where they are. Every patient you will meet will have a different presentation and it is important to greet them in whatever shape they are in, being an active listener, showing empathy, an understanding, and respect. This helps build that therapeutic alliance to help meet patient goals. We are creating a space where the client may feel space, validated, with no judgment. Today showed the importance of building that connection.