Just back from an incredible conference of consumers and providers, the 20th annual Children Come First event with the wonderful name: Ready, Set, Relationship! This was the continuing efforts of a group of dedicated individuals, called Wisconsin Family Ties, almost all of whom are parents of special needs children, to give families the support, encouragement, and resources they need to survive and thrive in tough times. They embrace the values of consumer strengths and wisdom as well as the power of change that resides in human relationships. I can’t really say enough about them nor can I express how moved I was to experience their commitment to what they are doing. The director, Hugh Davis, was nothing short of inspirational. He gave up a lucrative career in corporate America to try to make a difference with families who are under exceptional pressures from within because of a special needs child and from without from a system oriented more toward investigation and punishment than helping folks succeed. Constantly fighting an uphill battle for funding, they are making a significant difference in the lives of hundreds of children and families.

Check them out at: http://www.wifamilyties.org/

This is one of the great gifts that I am privileged to receive in my travels, the inspiration of meeting people who have been called to try to make a difference for others. It is heartening to say to least, that people like Family Ties exist. If I become jaundiced at times in my thoughts about we do, these experiences quickly remind me of not only the goodness of people, but also the good of what psychosocial services can accomplish.

On another note, I am doing a workshop in the Twin Cities on February 5th hosted by Rebecca Chesin, another person trying to make a difference in the community. If you are in the Twin Cities area, I would appreciate your support of Rebecca’s efforts. Rebecca recently compiled a list of individuals and agencies who are using client directed, outcome informed practices and is going to expand this idea into an online directory soon. Check out the workshop and the list at:

http://www.timeforclarity.com/cdoitest.html

Finally, another mover and shaker of these ideas is Eric Kueler of Mental Health Pros. Mental Health Pros offers therapists “21st Century tools to optimize psychotherapy for clients.” The 21st Century tools include MyOutcomes, online articles, assessments, multimedia workshops, videos, Lunch and Learn teleseminars, as well as online journaling for clients, practice newsletters, and more.

Check out Mental Health Pros out at: http://mentalhealthpros.com/mhp/ An e-brochure is available at http://mentalhealthpros.com/mhp/pdf/MHPbrochure.pdf

Eric recently interviewed me about the evolution of CDOI ideas and research.

Check it out: Interview with Eric (Download)

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