| In the most recent issue of Psychology Today, therapists shared the advice they received from their mentors that profoundly shaped their practice, challenged their perspective, and enabled them to better serve their clients.
While mentoring is not therapy and mentors are not clinicians, their mentors’ advice transcends the various ways we contribute to others on a learning journey:
1. Engage as if it’s the only chance to make a difference. (Elizabeth Heaney, LPC, Asheville, NC)
Approach each mentoring conversation with piercing boldness and intention, seeking to make a deep connection rather than a perfunctory contact.
2. Never underestimate the impact of showing up for others. (Lauren Donnelly, Ph.D., LCSW, Allentown, PA)
Mentees might seek career advice and guidance, but they stay because of a mentor’s caring presence. Listening, validation, encouragement, and hope are cornerstones of a trusting relationship. As Dr. Donnelly mused, “Simply showing up for someone can give them the courage to show up for themselves.”
3. Offer exploration, not information. (Emily Kline, Ph.D., Boston, MA)
Mentees look to Google for research, expertise, and information. They seek out human beings to help them explore options and plunge into experiences.
4. Interrupting is collaborative, not rude. (Levi Riven, Ph.D. C. Pscyh. Ottawa Ontario)
While mentees often unpack situations by venting, the mark of a skilled mentor is the ability to redirect mentees and pivot a conversation from active listening and acknowledgment to analysis and advice.
5. Ideas alone are not enough. (Russell Siler Jones, Th.D., LCMHCS, Asheville, NC)
German psychiatrist Frieda Fromm-Reichmann: “The patient needs an experience, not an explanation.” Mentees change not from our ideas and advice but from their actions.
6. Illuminate the path, don’t take control. (Carolyn Jaroll, LCSW-C, CEDS-S, Baltimore, MD)
Mentors wrestle their well-intended proclivity to fix and rescue mentees – a disempowering and exhausting habit. Give people the space and grace to find their own way.
7. Just say, “Wow.” (Diane Solomon, Ph.D. PMH-NP-BC, CNM, Portland, OR)
“Wow” validates the mentee while helping mentors actively listen.
8. Leave room for humor. (Samuel Pauker, M.D. New York, NY)
As Dr. Pauker reflected, “There is deep humanity in sharing humor.” Provided a bedrock of trust exists between mentor and mentee, humor can lighten the moment, decrease anxiety, and extend the connection.
9. Accept gratitude. (Anshan Mohamedali, Ph.D., Oyster Bay, NY)
Mentees say “thank you” to acknowledge the insights, ideas, advice, and perspectives that mentors share. There is no need to deflect their gratitude or downgrade the advice. Simply say, “You’re welcome.”
When we mentor, people grant us the privilege of walking alongside them. We owe them a commitment to steadily hone our mentoring skills. Together, we emerge stronger.
© 2024. Ann Tardy and MentorLead. www.mentorlead.com. All Rights Reserved. |
