Incorporating In-Person Human Interaction into Mental Health Treatment Plans that Embrace the ChainMeet Perspective
IN today’s fast-paced digital age, where virtual communication prevails, the significance of real-life, in-person human connection in mental health cannot be overstated. This blog post explores the transformative impact of incorporating genuine face-to-face interactions in mental health treatment plans, highlighting the therapeutic value of personal connections that ChainMeet promotes through their methodology of Meet, Treat, Eat, and Repeat. There are decades of research that support the importance of social connection. When individuals are not socially connected, they
are at risk of being more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, antisocial behavior, and even suicidal behaviors that can exacerbate isolation. To express with utmost poignancy, a landmark survey, pointed out that being socially disconnected predicted vulnerability to disease and death above and beyond traditional risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, and physical activity (Emma Seppälä, Ph. D).
The ChainMeet Movement of inspiring forward aims to bring back the joy of social, face-to-face, one-on-one meets with friends you already have (www.chainmeet.org). Their method of inviting, impacting, and inspiring fits very well into the treatment of mental illnesses as it promotes personal growth by acknowledging the impact of interconnected experiences on an individual’s journey, empowering them to overcome obstacles and evolve.
As a Licensed Therapist who understands the healing power of social connectedness, incorporating in-person, one-on-one interactions into treatment planning helps to normalize these types of interactions and underscores the importance of mental health as in integral component of overall well-being. As we delve deeper into the digital age, ChainMeet is spearheading a current movement that acknowledges the profound impact of genuine, in-person human connection and its relation to mental health treatment. Through one-on-one, in-person meet ups, the following can be accomplished:
- Embracing Authenticity
- In an era dominated by screens, fostering authentic connections can be a powerful antidote to the isolation that often accompanies mental health struggles. Genuine, in-person conversations allow individuals to share their experiences more openly, creating a space where vulnerability is met with empathy and understanding.
- Mindful Presence
- Being physically present in the moment promotes mindfulness, a practice integral to mental health. Real-life interactions encourage individuals to engage fully, reducing distractions and fostering a sense of connection to the present.
- Empowering Personal Growth
- Just as practices in mental health promote personal growth, so does the ChainMeet objective. Each acknowledges the impact of interconnected experiences on an individual’s journey, empowering them to overcome obstacles and evolve.
- Holistic Treatment Plans
- Incorporating the ChainMeet perspective into counseling allows for the creation of holistic treatment plans that consider the importance of personal connections, leading to more effective and sustainable mental health outcomes.
In conclusion, incorporating the ChainMeet Movement in mental health counseling and into mental health treatment plans will present a powerful tool for unraveling the intricacies of an individual’s mental well-being. By recognizing and addressing the interconnected links, counselors can guide clients on a journey of self-discovery, resilience-building, personal growth, and holistic healing.
Meet the Author: Marica King, MS, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH: The Power of Genuine Connection
Marica, Owner of Dimensions of Wellness Counseling, has been providing counseling services at to children, adolescents, individuals and families for over 10 years. The essence of her work is to facilitate self-growth by helping you identify the core challenges and setbacks in your life, so that you can overcome them with confidence. She specializes in creating personalized plans and providing tools to guide you forward and achieve your desired goals. She works with a range of issues that include anger, anxiety, behavioral issues, depression, family conflict, oppositional defiance, relationship issues, stress and trauma. Marica is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the States of Texas, Colorado and Georgia; Board Certified Counselor, Board Certified Telemental Health Provider, has been trained in EMDR and is a TBRI (R) Practitioner that will help you develop the habits and skills to effectively deal with the challenges and emotional moments you may encounter in life.