DBH Me: A Behavioral Health Journey

I finally did it. I went back to school. The thought of continuing education after years in the workplace felt daunting to me. The papers, the tests, the time pressures. I have a child and must do all the things! Where is there space, time, or energy for something like continuing education? Then I decided to look. 

The Rub

An ironic thing happens when you start something. Confidence begins to build and curiosity takes over. As I browsed the different programs I could be a part of to add to my professional depth, a few stood out to me, but none more so that the Doctor of Behavioral Health degree. Upon digging further I found several programs that are flexible for working adults like me! Cummings Graduate Institute offers a doctorate where you connect with your professor and classmates virtually.

Post COVID-19, so many things have changed. I remember how my job, going into physician practices to roll out COPD inhalers, abruptly collapsed, and everyone was let go. The rule became no contact and virtual/distance communication only. 6 ft minimum must be between you and others or else risk increases. I felt stuck and without many good options. Since then, we've learned the lessons from COVID. One of the lessons I've taken away from the crisis is that optionality is important. As a result, optionality has become a focus of mine professionally. 

Optionality and Virtual Classrooms

With virtual options available for CGI's program, I thought, let's apply and see if maybe I might just get in. After an interview process, I received the welcome letter. I was so proud to have received my electronic badge identifying myself as a DBH candidate. Since that time, last year, I have been able to absorb and interact with novel ideas and systems theory that maps onto human behavior. These threads that connect us all, the rules our systems follow, can be understood. It's been fantastic to be around others with the same desire to further familiarity with emotional and behavioral systems. 

My desire has always been to be helpful. Meaningful contribution remains my goal as I continue amassing information in this doctoral program. As a science communicator, I have a passion for distilling complex patterns into easily digestible information that can be used in daily life. The DBH program I am a part of will provide a platform to do just that, which I am excited and grateful for. 

Does the Time Fly

From scholarly papers to in-depth research, I have found the return to school to be mentally invigorating. As a result of this continued training, my academic and communicative skill set has strengthened. I am happy that I will be able to write in-depth scholarly work and know the correct way to present it for the reader's continuity.

I've said it a few times to those around me; "the time will go by anyway". I believe that statement's implication is to do what sets you up for success in the future. Position yourself in a place conducive to you achieving the desired outcome; whether that's financial freedom, professional growth, or individual edification. 

Of course, I'm partial to behavioral health (https://cgi.edu/), but this principle extends to whichever field resonates most with your system. The time will fly by, but when it does what will be different?

Sam Williams, MDiv, BCC, CCTS-I, DBH(c)