Meet Lilly:
Lillian has a dual role here at Nourish Your Mind! She is a Clinical Psychotherapist, as well as our Client Relations Manager, helping to support clients on their journey in multiple ways. As a clinician who has worked in various settings, such as mental health clinics, schools, government agencies, hospitals, and private practices, Lillian understands the importance of quality client care. She believes that being an effective clinician is not enough, and that it is our job as clinicians to provide outstanding care both in and outside of our scheduled sessions.
Lillian graduated from the University of Michigan with her Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in Interpersonal Practice and Health. Her curriculum focused on clinical work, specifically working one on one and in group settings with clients struggling with health issues. She worked in oncology with both children and adults, in a social work role and a child life role. Lillian’s primary role was to establish rapport with both her clients and families, as well as establish meaningful relationships to promote trust, empathy, and kindness to the patients who made the hospital their home.
In addition to her one-on-one therapeutic work with her clients, Lilly has a very special role at Nourish Your Mind as Client Relations Manager and we are excited for you to get to know her on a personal level. Lilly’s goal is for you to feel comfortable reaching out to her – whether you’re a current Nourish Your Mind client, or a potential new client taking that initial step to join our Nourish Your Mind Family. She’ll be here to support you through each step along the way.
Get to know Lilly in her own words….
What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?
It sounds really cliche but I have learned how short life really is. I am very left-brained, logical, and calculating. My family has experienced significant loss in the past few years and I have learned that I can be more spontaneous, more emotional, and overall follow my heart more than my head. I think that is what happens when you realize that not everyday is guaranteed and how important it is to feel joy and fulfillment.
What is your favorite part about working for Nourish Your Mind?
My clients and my team of coworkers. The work we do is not always easy, but seeing my clients come in excited to see me every week makes it worth it. The team of clinicians here are wonderful as well, and I know I can count on them to support me, either professionally or personally.
Tell me how you first got involved in with Mental Health . . .
I went to college for psychology after taking a class in high school and fell in love. I knew I had to be a part of this field and after an internship at Dana-Farber Boston Children’s working in pediatric oncology, I began applying for MSW programs. In graduate school, I specialized in interpersonal practice and health and was placed in bone marrow transplant at Michigan Medicine.
What do you like most about your job at Nourish?
I really like my balance of micro and macro social work. I am able to see clients and provide one on one therapy, but also work on admin assignments, as well as have the opportunity to run groups and workshops.
What are your hopes for the future of the Mental Health Industry?
I hope that it continues to become more accessible. I also work hard every day to continue to relay the message that we are not these stereotypical “shrinks” who make you lay on a couch and tell us about your childhood. I hope the idea of therapy become more normal and less stigmatized.
How would you describe your style as a Therapist?
I think my style as a therapist is very warm and empathetic, at least that is what I hope to convey to my clients! I want people to leave our session feeling better than they did when they walked in. I want clients to feel heard and understood, and know that I will be with them every step of the way as they grow.
What do you feel makes you unique as a Therapist?
I am very genuine during my sessions. I make sure my clients know that I am in fact a real person with real emotions, real thoughts, and real feelings with a life outside of the office. I want my clients to feel like they are talking to someone who is equal to them, someone who also struggles and has their own battles.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I am very much a people person but I am also very much an introvert. I recharge alone and I look forward to the alone time that I do have! It is a battle for me, that I love being around people but that I also really need my alone time.
Motto or personal mantra?
I love the quote, “And if I asked you to name all the things that you love, how long would it take for you to name yourself?”. Every time I see it, it gets more and more profound. I am trying to be more of a person who would answer that question with “me”.
What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?
I have learned to follow my gut instinct, prioritize self care, and set very lofty goals for myself.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about seeking counseling services for the first time?
I would tell them how incredibly brave and resilient they are. It takes a lot of courage and self awareness to reach out for help and I am continually amazed at my clients who come in every week. I also like to reiterate that the first session is going to be the scariest, because you are meeting with someone you don’t know. I try to let my clients know that I have no expectations of the first session besides getting to know the person sitting in front of me and creating a safe space for them.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
I am at the barn with my horse, Milo. I ride six days a week and if I am not at work or with my family/friends, I am with Milo. I take my horse mom role very seriously!
What is an ability you wish you had?
I really wish I could talk to animals. I am sure this superpower would benefit Milo the most (or would just annoy him!), but as someone who cares deeply about animals and is consistently rescuing them, I would love to be able to tell them they are safe and loved. I just want all the animals to feel this way. 😃
If you were an animal what would you be? And why?
I think I would be a butterfly. I feel like I am always fluttering around and going through significant periods of growth. Besides, I like that you cannot always tell how beautiful they are until they open their wings. I think that their wings are a wonderful lesson.
What children’s character can you relate with most? And why?
My favorite Disney character is Ariel from The Little Mermaid. As a kid, I always hoped I would grow a tail and become a mermaid. Still waiting for that dream…