Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background in mental health care?
Over the last four years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of working as a TMS technician. I spent every day firsthand with a steady roster of patients, administered their treatment, and helped them to maintain their goals as well as listening to them about their lives—good, bad, and everything in between. I’ve seen countless patients improve their lives in ways they never thought possible. It’s a very special position to be in since I see those changes every day. In my personal life, I thrive on creative media. I’m an artist, fantasy writer, and I enjoy both movies and video games!
What motivates you personally to show up for your patients every day?
I’ve always viewed patient care as a team effort, and I often say you get out of the process what you put into it. To my patients, I am a facilitator, a coach, and a confidant all in one, so my presence and efforts are essential for a patient’s success.
What’s the first TMS appointment like? How should new patients prepare?
The best thing anyone can do to prepare is to ensure your intake paperwork is completed prior to your appointment. Be sure to get some rest the night before, and take any prescribed medications as usual.
On the day of your appointment, please arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out some initial mental health assessments. These are important to create a benchmark for your progress. Next, you will meet with Dr. Rhianon Groom, our psychiatrist, for a pretreatment consultation to discuss your TMS treatment plan. You’ll have the opportunity to speak with the doctor about any aspect of treatment.
Once completed, you will follow Dr. Groom to the TMS treatment room for a process called “mapping”. The doctor and I will go through a process where we will determine the optimal location and strength of your treatment, uniquely tailored to your brain!
Once the mapping process is completed, we will transition right into your first TMS treatment. Treatment lasts for less than 20 minutes, and then you will be able to go about your day without issue.
Do you offer any tips for patients who might feel nervous about starting treatment?
Enrolling with any program here at Relief Mental Health is something to be celebrated, and we’re excited to have you with us! Know that, no matter what, my team and I are here to support you. Please feel at ease communicating your questions and concerns. We want to build you up, together, so let’s have a discussion if you’re feeling nervous or unsure at any point during your time with us. Your comfort and quality of care come first, second, and third on my list of priorities.
What’s one question you wish patients asked you more often?
“Is there anything else I can do to help myself during treatment?” I firmly believe that engaging in any of our modalities are just a few options among many. I like to frame it like this: you’re a runner and injure your knee. How can you help yourself recover? Sure, you may wear a knee brace, but you also might seek medication, or engage with physical therapy. The metaphor is the same with how we approach treatment. Let’s journal, set goals, listen to some peaceful music, and work together to help you feel better any way we can!
What’s one thing patients might be surprised to learn about the team in Middleton?
Despite the Middleton clinic being the newest to open, the staff is extremely experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable across our treatment modalities.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about seeking mental health treatment?
It’s never too late to try, or try again if you tried once, twice, or a thousand times already. In my humble opinion, the most compelling reality about life is that change is constant, whether you want it or not. I find this beautiful because it illustrates that, no matter how you feel right now, there is a possibility of change and, therefore, improvement.
I do not believe that we as human beings were put on this earth to suffer, and it’s in our best interest to seek healthy solutions wherever we might find them. Relief Mental Health is a place where we offer such solutions, and I’m honored to be a part of something so important.
