Introducing Camille Faivre, an expert in education management with a unique focus on developing open and e-learning programs in the post-pandemic landscape. Today, she shares her journey and insights into mental health counseling, observations from her career, highlights from her recently published book, and advice on mental health and wellness.
What inspired you to start a career in mental health counseling?
While working at a local TV network, I found myself passionate about mentoring interns. This passion led me to volunteer at a local hotline, where I provided support for various mental health concerns. The experience was deeply fulfilling and made me realize that my calling was to support people on a deeper level.
Did you always envision yourself as a licensed psychologist?
No, not at all. It wasn’t something I planned early on. It was through my experiences with mentoring and volunteering that I found my path in mental health counseling.
How did your experience with mentoring interns at a local TV network influence your career choice?
Mentoring interns allowed me to see the impact I could have on individual’s growth and well-being. It was very gratifying to help them navigate through their challenges and witness their progress.
What led you to volunteer at a local hotline, and how did that shape your career path?
The desire to make a meaningful difference led me to volunteer. The hotline provided me with a real-time opportunity to help those in need and see the immediate benefits of providing support, which solidified my interest in pursuing a career in mental health.
What were some of the initial challenges you faced when students were hesitant to seek counseling?
Initially, many students were reluctant to seek counseling due to the stigma surrounding mental health. They were unsure about the process and feared judgment.
Over time, how did you notice a change in students’ willingness to seek help?
Over time, I noticed a significant shift. As mental health awareness grew and the stigma lessened, students became more open to seeking help. They began to understand the importance of mental well-being and didn’t hesitate to address their issues.
What common issues did students report when they started coming in for counseling?
The common issues reported included problems with sleep, self-comparison, breakups, managing schedules, and navigating friendships. These are typical challenges during the transition into adulthood.
When did you first conceive the idea of writing a book?
I first had the idea in 2007, but it wasn’t until 2016 that I fully immersed myself in the writing process.
What prompted you to immerse yourself into the writing process in 2016?
After years of observing consistent patterns and common issues among students, I felt the need to compile my insights and strategies into a comprehensive guide to help them navigate their mental health.
Can you explain the structure of your book and why you chose to break it down into six parts?
The book is structured into six parts: “Your Body,” “Your Identity,” “Your Thoughts,” “Your Emotions,” “Your Relationships,” and “Your Time.” This breakdown offers a holistic approach to student well-being, addressing various facets of their lives.
What kind of self-doubt and imposter syndrome did you experience while writing the book?
Like many authors, I often questioned my credibility and expertise. I wondered if I was the right person to write this book and if my insights were valuable enough.
How did you overcome these challenges and view the writing process as solving a puzzle?
I reframed the process as solving a puzzle. Each chapter was like a piece of the puzzle that needed careful consideration. Over time, I built confidence in my expertise and the value my book could provide.
What is one of the main messages you want students to take away from your book?
One of the main messages is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness and mental health. Each student must find what works best for them and continuously adapt as they grow.
How do you advise students to find what works best for them in terms of wellness and mental health?
I recommend experimenting with different strategies, whether it’s improving nutrition, making new friends, or establishing a healthy sleep pattern. It’s important to be patient and open-minded.
Can you share an example of how engaging in activities that bring joy can enhance day-to-day well-being?
I had a client who loved birds, so I suggested bird watching. This activity brought them immense joy and led to new hobbies, significantly enhancing their daily well-being.
What are some significant mental health challenges you’ve encountered in your career?
Loneliness stands out as a major challenge. Many students struggle with social skills and forming connections, often exacerbated by the pandemic.
How has the pandemic affected college students’ social skills and mental health?
The pandemic worsened the situation by enforcing isolation. Students who were beginning to build their social skills found themselves regressing due to the lack of in-person interaction.
Why do you believe loneliness is a major issue among college students today?
Socialization is a critical part of college life, and many students feel isolated due to the high pressures of academic and social expectations.
How has the emphasis on mindfulness in mental health grown due to the pandemic?
The pandemic highlighted the importance of mindfulness as a tool to manage stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, leading to its growing emphasis in mental health practices.
Why do you consider mindfulness to be a useful tool for students?
Mindfulness helps students stay present, manage stress, and develop a greater awareness of their emotions and thoughts. It provides a foundation for better mental health.
What potential pitfalls do you see with mindfulness becoming a buzzword?
The risk is that it can be seen as a cure-all, which it isn’t. Students might have unrealistic expectations and may feel disillusioned if mindfulness doesn’t solve all their problems.
How should students approach mindfulness to ensure it helps without expecting it to solve all problems?
Students should approach mindfulness as a supportive practice rather than a solution to all their issues. It’s a tool to help manage their mental health, alongside other strategies.
You have any advice for our readers?
My advice is to be patient with your mental health journey. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you, and remember that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Trust the process and keep pushing forward.
