WHY I SERVE AS A COUNSELOR AT VIPCARE?

A conversation with Meredith Southwell

QUESTION: Why do you work/how did you come to work at VIPCare?
ANSWER: I became interested in spiritually integrated psychotherapy during my counseling internship in graduate school and I've followed that interest throughout my career, working in the field of pastoral counseling. When I moved to Richmond to be closer to family, I became aware of VIPCare and began a conversation about joining the team.

QUESTION: How do you approach therapy (or the counseling relationship)?
ANSWER: I operate from the grounding principles of partnership, respect for each person's right for self-determination, and careful attention to the therapeutic relationship. I believe this client-centered perspective is essential for an effective experience in counseling.

QUESTION: What inspires you amidst COVID-19 challenges?
ANSWER: During this time of COVID-19, I have been inspired by the stories shared by family, friends, clients, and co-workers that describe the new possibilities, opportunities, and perspectives that have resulted because of the pandemic. I think it's the gratitude in their voices as they share their experiences with me that I find most inspiring.

QUESTION: What strategies could parents consider during this year's back to school transition?
ANSWER: One thing to consider as we approach back to school, as a parent, or frankly as anyone during COVID-19, is to look for a small way to add something novel (new to you) each week as a family. This may be picking a place to get take out ice-cream or a new board game. Make it part of the conversation during the week as something to look forward to and something that will be able to happen. It will act as an anchor when so many things we've come to look forward to are currently not options.

CONTACT:
EMAIL: MSOUTHWELL@VIPCARE.ORG
VIPCARE TELEPHONE: 804.282.8332 ext. 245

EDUCATION:

Completed pyschotherapy and spirituality residency program from Wake Forest Baptist Health, 2016.

M.S.W. North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University & The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2013, JMSW program.

B.S., University of Mary Washington, 2009.

Trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and Prepare/Enrich (marriage and couples program)