Seeing people come in with debilitating symptoms and walk out a few weeks later without those symptoms is why I get up every day.
Ramona Hemphill-Kent, MSW, LICSW
And in the process we’ve welcomed some exceptional new members to our team.
To celebrate, we’re introducing you to the humans behind the many services we offer.
This week, we’re talking with therapist, Ramona Hemphill-Kent, MSW, LICSW:
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Ramona! What do you love most about your role at Sonder?
I have found my passion working with PTSD that stems from all forms of trauma. From single incident trauma to extensive childhood trauma, to everyday stress that has built up and has created a trauma response. I love that Sonder has allowed me to explore this niche and use my favorite modalities to really broaden who I work with and see every day.
I just recently got to work with a first responder for the very first time and found that incredibly fulfilling and gratifying. I hope to expand my work to help this population as much as I can to give back for everything they do for us.
What first brought you to this work? What keeps you going?
The progress I’m able to see over just a few sessions with EMDR and ART keeps me going. I love that I can help more people in a shorter amount of time, so I can open my books up for new clients all the time. Seeing people come in with debilitating symptoms and walk out a few weeks later without those symptoms is why I get up every day.
We know that there are many myths about emotional wellness out there. What’s one misconception that you’d like to erase for good?
The stigmas that exist around mental health. Whether is be that taking medication is something to be ashamed of, that it can’t be “that bad” because people look OK on the outside, or that seeking out therapy means your weak; there is still so much work to be done to change the way society looks at individuals struggling with mental/emotional health issues.
What’s something clients/patients might be surprised to learn about you?
That I am currently doing the same exact therapy that I do here at Sonder, with my own therapist. I go to ART sessions once per month and it’s one of the best things I’ve done for myself. Despite being a therapist, I am not even close to having it all together, and I need my own therapy to continue the work I do every day.
When you’re not working, what are you most likely up to?
You can find me hanging out with my giant lap dog, hanging with my husband, enjoying our summer cabin as much as possible, or re-decorating/re-arranging furniture in my home. I’m constantly wanting a project to work on, or something to do and don’t sit still very well 🙂
As healthcare providers, it’s essential that we maintain our own emotional wellness practices. What does self-care look like for you these days?
It looks like prioritizing rest and relaxation and listening to my body and what it needs. I’ve learned the hard way what saying “yes” all the time can do to your mental health, and have learned the physical consequences of pushing yourself too hard or overworking yourself. So, self-care looks like saying no, slowing down and not feeling guilty for any of it!
Thanks, Ramona! We’re grateful to have you on the team.
Ready for some emotional wellness support?