Hello, I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of experience in the field. I specialize in working with individuals who are in a state of constant worrying about different things, having difficulty sleeping, experiencing sleep disturbances, feeling fatigued, and not enjoying their lives. My approach to evaluating the people I work with is deeply rooted in getting to know them personally, understanding their unique stories, and appreciating their cultural nuances. I firmly believe that their emotions and experiences are one-of-a-kind, and as their partner in their mental health journey, I am dedicated to helping them find the best treatment options, with a strong focus on integrative mental health practices. I hold a strong commitment to respecting my patients' opinions and actively listening to their stories. This patient-centered approach is fundamental to establishing trust and creating a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Integrative mental health is at the core of my practice, combining traditional psychiatric approaches with complementary and holistic methods to provide a well-rounded and personalized approach to care. My goal is to provide tailored care that meets the specific needs and preferences of each individual, ultimately assisting them in achieving a better quality of life. Mental health care is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, and my extensive experience allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

The first session is a pivotal moment in the therapeutic journey, where I place a strong emphasis on creating a safe and trusting environment. During this initial meeting, my primary goal is to allow the client to take the lead and share their unique story. This session is about them, and I'm here to listen, understand, and support them. To begin, I engage in a brief introduction and ensure the client feels comfortable and at ease. Following that, I invite the client to express the reasons that brought them to this appointment. I encourage them to openly discuss their challenges, struggles, and any concerns they may have related to their mental health. This is a crucial step, as it allows the client to voice their emotions and experiences. It validates their feelings and helps them feel heard and understood. In this space, the client is free to share whatever they are comfortable with, whether it's anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, or any other mental health concern. I also inquire about their goals and aspirations. What are they looking to achieve through our collaboration? What does a better quality of life look like to them? These goals may vary from person to person, and it's essential to acknowledge and respect their unique desires and hopes. Throughout this initial session, I take a detailed history, allowing the client to tell their story in their own words. This process serves as the foundation for our therapeutic journey. It helps me get to know them as individuals and better understand the factors that have shaped their mental health. Ultimately, this client-centered approach in the first session lays the groundwork for a collaborative and effective therapeutic relationship. It ensures that the client's needs and preferences are at the forefront of their mental health care, emphasizing their agency and empowerment in the process.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I bring a set of strengths to my practice that I believe greatly benefit my patients. Firstly, my extensive experience, spanning over 25 years including practicing general medicine, has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the field of mental health. This experience enables me to approach a wide range of mental health concerns with confidence and competence. I pride myself on my ability to establish a genuine and empathetic connection with my patients. I am a good listener, which is crucial in mental health care. I take the time to understand the unique stories, emotions, and cultural nuances of each individual. This person-centered approach ensures that my patients feel heard, valued, and supported. My holistic approach to care is another one of my strengths. I not only consider medication but also integrate various treatment modalities, such as psychotherapy, nutritional supplements, and mindfulness. This approach allows me to create tailored treatment plans that align with my patients' specific needs and preferences. I'm dedicated to empowering my patients, helping them set achievable treatment goals, and guiding them toward better mental health. My commitment to collaboration and shared decision-making means that my patients play an active role in their care. Overall, my strengths lie in my experience, empathy, holistic approach, and collaborative style of care. These qualities allow me to make a positive impact on the lives of those I serve, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to provide mental health support to my patient

About Patricia Conteh