We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeanne Assinthe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jeanne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

As a single mother and a trauma-informed licensed clinical social worker, it’s been a challenging decision, but I decided two years ago to step away from my “well-paid” job with benefits and place my greatest bet on myself. I decided to dedicate my time and energy to working full-time in my own company, where I can serve individuals in the ways I truly believe in. This decision hasn’t been an easy one, considering the financial stability and security that comes with a traditional job. However, I firmly believe that by pouring all my energy into my own company, I can create a more impactful and meaningful experience for those in need. It’s an exciting shift, albeit a leap of faith, and I am ready to take this new path and make a difference in people’s lives on my own terms.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Jeanne Assinthe, LCSW, a trauma-informed virtual wellness service provider, owner of Amitie LLC. I have extensive experience in the mental health field, including nine years of experience as a social worker, five years of experience as a law enforcement officer, and over twelve years of experience as a substitute teacher. I am also a certified paralegal, family mediator/dispute resolution trainer, managing aggressive behavior trainer, preventive assessment tool trainer, and SSI/SSDI outreach access and recovery (SOAR) facilitator. I have considerable experience in program development, budgeting, and electronic medical record systems.

At Amitie LLC, I provide a safe space for individuals who have experienced trauma, regardless of their geographical location. I offer a range of therapeutic services, including individual and family counseling, crisis intervention, and truancy prevention services. I also provide clinical training and administrative duties, such as developing policies and procedures and ensuring quality improvement of services.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Besides training and knowledge, there are several other factors that can greatly contribute to success in trauma-informed mental wellness service virtual service delivery. Here are a few:

1. Compassion and Empathy: Being able to understand and empathize with individuals who have experienced trauma is crucial. Compassionately connecting with clients and providing a safe and supportive environment is vital for their healing.

2. Active Listening Skills: Actively listening to your clients allows you to truly hear their experiences and understand their needs. This helps you tailor your approach to their specific situation and provide personalized support.

3. Flexibility and Adaptability: In virtual service delivery, it’s important to be adaptable and flexible, especially considering the unique challenges that can arise when working remotely. Being open to adapting your methods and strategies to suit the virtual setting ensures that your clients receive the best possible care.

4. Boundaries and Self-care: Supporting individuals who have experienced trauma can be emotionally demanding. Establishing healthy boundaries and practicing self-care are essential to prevent burnout and maintain your own mental well-being. Taking care of yourself allows you to better support others.

5. Collaboration and Networking: Collaborating with other professionals in the mental health field, as well as networking with relevant organizations and resources, can expand your knowledge and enhance the quality of care you provide. Building a strong network can also facilitate referrals and improve outcomes for your clients.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that each individual and their trauma experience is unique, so a personalized and individualized approach is crucial. By combining my training and knowledge with these additional factors, I strive to optimize my efforts in trauma-informed mental wellness service virtual service delivery to individuals intentionally in their mental wellness journeys.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a trauma-informed licensed clinical social worker and owner of a virtual wellness agency, there have been certain lessons I had to unlearn from my experience as a certified state correctional officer and my academic background in criminal justice and legal studies. My backstory of developing an itching desire to proactively support and prevent unnecessary pain in the world around me is daring and likely played a significant role in shaping my current professional path.

One lesson I had to unlearn is the traditional punitive approach often associated with the criminal justice system. While my background in criminal justice and legal studies provided me with a valuable understanding of the system, it was important to shift towards a more compassionate and trauma-informed perspective in my current role. Recognizing that individuals who have experienced trauma often need support and understanding, rather than punishment, is a crucial aspect of my work. Additionally, you might have had to challenge any biases or assumptions you may have developed while working as a correctional officer. It’s essential to approach my clients with an open mind and a non-judgmental attitude.

Understanding the impact of trauma and its correlation with behaviors has helped me to offer effective and appropriate support. By unlearning these institutionalized approaches and embracing a trauma-informed perspective, I am better equipped to provide proactive support and prevent unnecessary pain in the lives of those I serve. My unique background and journey certainly fostered a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world, and this will undoubtedly contribute to the success of my virtual wellness agency.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amitiewellness.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/amitiellc?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-assinthe-lcsw-qs-60987572
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk0m389B0RgSL7SxtnO3JO-zb1QmrMfHI&si=16tDgIotj7qlvPfN

Image Credits
All pictures were taken by Jeanne (Egenie is the adventurous inner child self)