The Importance of Mental Health with Ashly Leavitt

Mental health is crucial for wellbeing and quality of life.  Good mental health is linked to better physical health, healthier relationships, better cognitive function, and supports overall growth and potential.  It also promotes resilience and helps us to cope with life's challenges, manage stress, maintain positive emotions.

Today, we are pleased to share an interview that we had with Ashly Leavitt.  Ashly has been our guest speaker at our Academy Camp mental health workshop for the last three years.  She is a great friend to STAR Camp, and we are delighted to have had this chance to tap into her expertise.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
A: My name and credentials in the non STAR world are Ashly Leavitt, ACMHC (associate clinical mental health counselor), but at STAR Camp my call sign is "Shakespeare". It was given to me by a student my second year presenting on mental health at Academy Camp.  I am a therapist in Davis County and long-time supporter of STAR Camp and it's missions.

Q: What is mental health and why is it important?
A: "Mental health" encompasses a variety of areas but what I have focused on at Academy Camp is knowing and connecting with who you are or want to be, and then increasing in strength, resilience, compassion, and congruence with that person. Feeling good about yourself, even on hard days. That's mental health. And it's important because we sometimes prioritize perfection over authenticity, which only leads to empty, unattainable expectations and feeling like we're alone. Fighting those falsehoods will always be important.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career as a mental health professional?
A: I experienced some great pain and trauma and as I came out of it I couldn't shake the thought, "I need to help the people who are still there." So I left my teaching career, jumped into grad school, and changed my life. 

Q: What do you specialize in and what sort of issues do you help people with?
A: I primarily specialize in helping women who have experienced trauma as a result of their partner's addiction. This is often called, "betrayal trauma." I am also a public speaker, divorce mediator, and divorce coach. 

Q: What normally happens in a counseling session with you?
A: Laughing, crying, welcoming of all the emotions, and some rekindling of a connection with your authentic self. 

Q: How can someone tell if they might benefit from seeing a counselor, and what are some signs that it's time to seek help?
A: If you are a flawed human or you grew up with flawed humans or you have to interact with flawed humans now, you might benefit from seeing a counselor. In other words-EVERYONE. I think we should have planned 6 month mental health check ups like we do for the dentist.  But, signs that you should seek help even more than just a check up: feeling alone, feeling like no one knows you, likes you, or wants you, regularly being attacked with thought gremlins that tell you you aren't enough, you aren't capable, or you should be _________ (skinnier, prettier, a better parent, more like them, etc.) then PLEASE talk to someone. 

Q: What is a myth or misunderstanding about mental health or mental health counseling that you would like to correct?
A: Thankfully, we're coming out of the stigma that people who see counselors are crazy or that we in the profession are quacks, but there is still an element of, "This isn't bad ENOUGH to need counseling," or "I'm strong enough I don't need it." Counseling isn't about being weak or strong, good or bad, it's simply about reconnecting and getting a second pair of eyes/ears on the things you're seeing/hearing.

Q: What sort of lessons have you learned in your career or personal journey that could help others?
A: Not all therapists/counselors are a good fit. Therapists are like t-shirts, just because we looked good online doesn't mean we'll fit. Try a few on and don't give up if the first one doesn't fit. 

Q: This time of year can be stressful, especially for people coping with family trauma.  What are some ways that people can deal with the stress that comes with the holidays?
A: Check out my video!

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​(Please note: this video contains discussion of the creator's personal beliefs and faith.)