January 25, 2025 • 12 mins
What if the key to overcoming social anxiety lies in the unexpected bonds we form with our support networks? Discover how Stacy Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson illuminate the nuanced role of support systems in therapy, particularly for those on the path to licensure. Through insightful dialogue, they unravel the layers of how connections with friends, groups, and even pets go beyond mere reassurance, offering a foundation of safety, belonging, and validation. We venture into the complexities of evaluating these networks, exploring how perceived support can sometimes do more harm than good, and share strategies to help clients fortify their support systems by addressing challenges like social anxiety or past trauma.
Throughout this episode, we emphasize the individuality of support systems, showcasing the unique ways they manifest for different people. Stacy and Dr. Hutchinson guide us through a case study that underscores how personal interests, like Clinton's butterfly garden, can naturally foster meaningful connections. As we discuss the importance of beginning with clients' strengths, the conversation extends an invitation to our listeners to engage with us at the upcoming Florida Mental Health Association Conference. Whether you're preparing for licensure exams or simply seeking to strengthen your own support network, this episode offers profound insights and practical strategies to enrich your therapeutic journey.
If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams
This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to another episode of our Licensure Exams
podcast.
I'm Stacey Frost and I'm joinedby co-host Dr Linton Hutchinson
.
So, linton, it's shaping up tobe a real old-fashioned Michigan
winter here.
The sun and its cheerful warmrays are on vacation, and I wish
I was down in hot and sunnyFlorida right now.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Well, you will be soon.
The Florida Mental HealthAssociation's conference in Lake
Mary Florida is coming up andwe'll be ready to welcome all of
our studious therapists to ourbooth.
Hey, do you know if Diana andLaura will be there?
Yep, how about?
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Sam.
She's been amazing atcoordinating all our
presentations over the years.
You can bet your bottom dollarshe'll be there with bells on
and ribbons in her hair.
I can't wait to rummage throughmy closet, change into my
Hawaiian outfit and finally getout of my long johns and winter
garb.
In the meantime, let's discusssupport systems today.
This episode is courtesy ofBethany in Chicago, who is
studying for her licensure examand wants to know how support
(00:58):
systems affect treatment.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Stacey, while you've been watching the mercury drop,
I've been putting together somegood stuff to share with all you
therapists preparing for yourexam.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
When we talk about support systems, we're looking
at more than just someone whoprovides emotional comfort to
your client.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
From a therapeutic perspective, a support system
consists of all the individualsand groups who provide the
client with feelings of safety,belonging, validation and
support who provide the clientwith feelings of safety,
belonging, validation andsupport, and sometimes what
clients perceive as theirsupport system may actually be
counterproductive to theirwell-being.
Let's say your client insiststhat her two best friends are
her main support system, but arethe same friends who encourage
(01:38):
her to get hammered when she'strying to maintain sobriety.
They convince her that onedrink won't hurt and also guilt
trip her saying she's ruiningthe party.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
That really highlights the need to help
clients evaluate the quality ofthe client support network, not
just the number of people aroundthem.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
As you're studying for your licensing exam, keep in
mind that assessing supportsystems isn't just about making
a list of who are in yourclient's life.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
So am I right in assuming that Sushi Chef Kai
from Publix wouldn't qualify asa member of your support system,
linton Well.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
I don't know about that.
Kai's spicy tuna rolls havegotten me through some pretty
tough days.
But really, while havingrelationships with people in
your community is great, a truesupport system goes deeper than
casual interactions, no matterhow much you appreciate that
perfect wasabi to salmon ratio.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
This distinction might appear in questions about
treatment planning or crisisintervention, where you need to
identify who can be counted onto help implement a safety plan
or provide consistent supportduring recovery.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
So what kinds of questions could you ask your
client that would help themidentify people and groups in
their support system?
Speaker 1 (02:49):
How about?
Who can you talk to when you'vehad a bad day, who's your go-to
when you have good news, or whoare your friends that accept
you regardless of your faultsand deepest struggles, without
judgment?
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Good question, Stacey .
Also, reflecting back on whatclients say about individuals in
their lives can help themrecognize existing supports they
might have overlooked.
Sometimes clients don't realizethey already have supportive
relationships because they'relooking for support in very
limited ways.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
What about if your client mentions a pet?
I have to say my backyardchickens have been surprisingly
therapeutic.
They're not exactly lap pets,but there's something soothing
about sitting outside watchingthem scratch around and
listening to their happy littleclucks.
Plus, nothing beats the egoboost of having your feathered
friends come running when theysee you.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Aha, sure that isn't because you're bringing them
some tasty mealworms.
Anyway, that's a great exampleof how support can come in
unexpected forms.
It's important to recognizethat, while animals can be
valuable sources of structure,purpose and emotional support
for your client, you need tohelp clients build a
comprehensive network thatincludes human connections who
(04:00):
can provide different types ofsupport.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Agreed.
We are, after all, socialcreatures and we need meaningful
connections with other peopleto truly thrive.
These connections help usdevelop better social skills,
challenge our perspectives andprovide the kind of complex
emotional feedback that shapeshealthy relationships.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Exactly, and this is where your role as a therapist
becomes really important helpingclients identify and strengthen
human connections thatcontribute to their well-being.
Sometimes clients might relytoo heavily on pets or other
passive forms of comfort,because human relationships feel
too risky or have been sourcesof hurt in the past.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
Okay, let's say you've determined that your
client's support system coulduse a boost.
What strategies would behelpful to build a stronger
support network?
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Well, it's important to take a gradual approach.
You might start by helping themidentify existing connections
that could be strengthened.
Maybe there's a cousin theyused to be close to or a
neighbor they chat withoccasionally.
Then you can work on developingthe skills and confidence
needed to deepen thoserelationships.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
And, of course, addressing any underlying issues
that might get in the way offorming connections.
Sometimes social anxiety, trustissues or past relationship
trauma needs to be workedthrough first.
So on your licensing exam, ifyou see a question asking what
should you do first, you shouldconsider dealing with past
relationship trauma, overjoininga group or seeking out new
(05:32):
possible relationships.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Exactly.
Remember that building supportnetworks often involves both
internal and external work.
Internal work might includechallenging negative beliefs
about relationships ordeveloping better communication
skills.
External work could involveconnecting clients with
community resources, supportgroups or social activities
aligned with their interests.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Let's look at a few case studies.
The first involves a clientlet's call him Clinton, not be
confused with Linton who isstruggling with social anxiety.
Initially, clinton identifies alimited support system
consisting only of familymembers who, while well-meaning,
don't fully understand hischallenges.
They think he should just getout more and stop overthinking
(06:16):
everything.
As you can imagine, thesecomments only increase his
anxiety and feelings of beingmisunderstood.
Clinton's pride and joy is hisbutterfly garden, and that's
where he spends most of his freetime, tending to the plants and
observing the butterflies.
He says it's the only place hetruly feels peaceful.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
This case shows how someone's interests can actually
be a bridge to building astronger support system.
While Clinton's garden servesas a solitary refuge, it could
also become a pathway toconnecting with others.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
I think I see where you're going with this.
How might you use Clinton'spassion for butterfly gardening
as a way to expand his supportnetwork?
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Well, there are several possible approaches.
He might start by joiningonline gardening communities,
which allow for socialinteraction with less pressure.
Or he could consider connectingwith local botanical gardens or
nature groups, where he'd meetpeople who share his interests
and where the focus would be onthe plants and butterflies.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
And what's especially nice about this approach is
that it's building on somethingthat already brings him comfort
and confidence.
He's not just being thrown intorandom social situations.
He's engaging with peoplearound a topic where he has
expertise and genuine interest.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
he's engaging with people around a topic where he
has expertise and genuineinterest Exactly.
Remember that when helpingclients expand their support
systems, you want to work withtheir strengths and existing
interests.
Clinton might feel morecomfortable sharing his
knowledge about butterflyspecies than making small talk
at a coffee shop.
Speaker 1 (07:44):
And the social anxiety might be less intense
when the interaction is focusedon something he's passionate
about rather than on himpersonally.
Plus, nature-based activitiesthemselves can help reduce
anxiety, so he's gettingmultiple benefits.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
That's a BOGO.
Let's look at another case.
This one involves a teenagerwe'll call Lacey, not to be
confused with Stacy, who'sdealing with depression.
Her parents are divorced andwhile both are very concerned
about her well-being, theirdifferent approaches are
creating additional stress.
Her mother, with her Germanbackground, has always
(08:19):
micromanaged her daughter andnow is constantly hovering and
pushing her to talk, while whenshe is with her father, he tends
to back off completely when sheshows any sign of distress.
Speaker 1 (08:33):
This case highlights how even well-intentioned
support can sometimes becomeproblematic.
Both parents want to help, buttheir contrasting styles are
actually making it harder forLacey to develop consistent
coping strategies.
Linton, what are some keyconsiderations when working with
a teen like Lacey to develop amore effective support system?
Speaker 2 (08:54):
First, you need to consider the developmental
aspect.
Teenagers naturally startshifting from family-based
support to peer relationships,but still need stable adult
guidance.
With Lacey, you'd want toconsider how to help her parents
provide more consistent,balanced support, while also
helping her build healthy peerconnection.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
Right.
You might need to providepsychoeducation about Lacey's
condition, teach specificsupport strategies and help
family members understand theimportance of maintaining their
well-being while supportingLacey.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
And there's also the challenge of helping Lacey learn
to communicate her needseffectively to different members
of her support system.
She needs to learn how toarticulate her needs differently
to different people.
She might need one approachwith her overbearing mother,
another with her distant fatherand something entirely different
with friends.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
That's a great point.
Support systems don't have tobe one-size-fits-all.
Different clients can playdifferent supporting roles.
The goal isn't to make everyrelationship provide every type
of support, but rather to helpclients build a network where
all their support needs are metacross different relationships.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Let's do a knowledge check to see if you're catching
the key concept.
What should be your firstapproach when working with a
client with a limited supportsystem?
A Refer them toa support groupof peers working through the
same issue.
B Assess their existingrelationships and help them
identify support.
C Focus on developing andbuilding their social skills.
(10:25):
D Collaborate on creating astructured social schedule for
them.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
Well, did you get it?
The correct answer is B Assesstheir existing relationships and
help them identify support.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
This approach is most effective because it builds on
existing foundations and helpsclients recognize support they
might not have acknowledged.
It's also less overwhelmingthan immediately pushing for new
connections and it helpsclients feel more confident
about their existing resources.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
Let's do a quick recap before we sign off.
Linton.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
First, remember that assessing support systems goes
beyond making a list of peoplein your client's life.
You need to evaluate thequality, accessibility and
nature of those relationships.
Some relationships that seemsupportive on the surface might
actually be counterproductive toyour client's well-being.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
Second, building support networks often requires
both internal and external work.
You might need to help clientsaddress underlying issues like
social anxiety or trust problems, while also helping them
connect with community resourcesand potential support people.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Third, support systems are not
one-size-fits-all.
Different people can providedifferent types of support, and
that's okay.
Can provide different types ofsupport, and that's okay.
The goal is to help clientsbuild a network where all their
support needs are met acrossvarious relationships.
Speaker 1 (11:57):
And finally, when helping clients expand their
support systems start with theirstrengths and interests.
As we saw with Clinton and hisbutterfly garden, these can
provide natural bridges tomeaningful connection.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Thanks for joining us today.
Don't forget to visit us at theFlorida Mental Health
Association Conference in LakeMary, Florida if you're in the
area, and keep those questionscoming.
We love helping you prepare foryour licensure exams.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
Until next time remember it's in there.
Welcome to another episode of our Licensure Exams
podcast.
I'm Stacey Frost and I'm joinedby co-host Dr Linton Hutchinson
.
So, linton, it's shaping up tobe a real old-fashioned Michigan
winter here.
The sun and its cheerful warmrays are on vacation, and I wish
I was down in hot and sunnyFlorida right now.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Well, you will be soon.
The Florida Mental HealthAssociation's conference in Lake
Mary Florida is coming up andwe'll be ready to welcome all of
our studious therapists to ourbooth.
Hey, do you know if Diana andLaura will be there?
Yep, how about?
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Sam.
She's been amazing atcoordinating all our
presentations over the years.
You can bet your bottom dollarshe'll be there with bells on
and ribbons in her hair.
I can't wait to rummage throughmy closet, change into my
Hawaiian outfit and finally getout of my long johns and winter
garb.
In the meantime, let's discusssupport systems today.
This episode is courtesy ofBethany in Chicago, who is
studying for her licensure examand wants to know how support
(00:58):
systems affect treatment.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Stacey, while you've been watching the mercury drop,
I've been putting together somegood stuff to share with all you
therapists preparing for yourexam.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
When we talk about support systems, we're looking
at more than just someone whoprovides emotional comfort to
your client.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
From a therapeutic perspective, a support system
consists of all the individualsand groups who provide the
client with feelings of safety,belonging, validation and
support who provide the clientwith feelings of safety,
belonging, validation andsupport, and sometimes what
clients perceive as theirsupport system may actually be
counterproductive to theirwell-being.
Let's say your client insiststhat her two best friends are
her main support system, but arethe same friends who encourage
(01:38):
her to get hammered when she'strying to maintain sobriety.
They convince her that onedrink won't hurt and also guilt
trip her saying she's ruiningthe party.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
That really highlights the need to help
clients evaluate the quality ofthe client support network, not
just the number of people aroundthem.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
As you're studying for your licensing exam, keep in
mind that assessing supportsystems isn't just about making
a list of who are in yourclient's life.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
So am I right in assuming that Sushi Chef Kai
from Publix wouldn't qualify asa member of your support system,
linton Well.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
I don't know about that.
Kai's spicy tuna rolls havegotten me through some pretty
tough days.
But really, while havingrelationships with people in
your community is great, a truesupport system goes deeper than
casual interactions, no matterhow much you appreciate that
perfect wasabi to salmon ratio.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
This distinction might appear in questions about
treatment planning or crisisintervention, where you need to
identify who can be counted onto help implement a safety plan
or provide consistent supportduring recovery.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
So what kinds of questions could you ask your
client that would help themidentify people and groups in
their support system?
Speaker 1 (02:49):
How about?
Who can you talk to when you'vehad a bad day, who's your go-to
when you have good news, or whoare your friends that accept
you regardless of your faultsand deepest struggles, without
judgment?
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Good question, Stacey .
Also, reflecting back on whatclients say about individuals in
their lives can help themrecognize existing supports they
might have overlooked.
Sometimes clients don't realizethey already have supportive
relationships because they'relooking for support in very
limited ways.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
What about if your client mentions a pet?
I have to say my backyardchickens have been surprisingly
therapeutic.
They're not exactly lap pets,but there's something soothing
about sitting outside watchingthem scratch around and
listening to their happy littleclucks.
Plus, nothing beats the egoboost of having your feathered
friends come running when theysee you.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Aha, sure that isn't because you're bringing them
some tasty mealworms.
Anyway, that's a great exampleof how support can come in
unexpected forms.
It's important to recognizethat, while animals can be
valuable sources of structure,purpose and emotional support
for your client, you need tohelp clients build a
comprehensive network thatincludes human connections who
(04:00):
can provide different types ofsupport.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Agreed.
We are, after all, socialcreatures and we need meaningful
connections with other peopleto truly thrive.
These connections help usdevelop better social skills,
challenge our perspectives andprovide the kind of complex
emotional feedback that shapeshealthy relationships.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Exactly, and this is where your role as a therapist
becomes really important helpingclients identify and strengthen
human connections thatcontribute to their well-being.
Sometimes clients might relytoo heavily on pets or other
passive forms of comfort,because human relationships feel
too risky or have been sourcesof hurt in the past.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
Okay, let's say you've determined that your
client's support system coulduse a boost.
What strategies would behelpful to build a stronger
support network?
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Well, it's important to take a gradual approach.
You might start by helping themidentify existing connections
that could be strengthened.
Maybe there's a cousin theyused to be close to or a
neighbor they chat withoccasionally.
Then you can work on developingthe skills and confidence
needed to deepen thoserelationships.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
And, of course, addressing any underlying issues
that might get in the way offorming connections.
Sometimes social anxiety, trustissues or past relationship
trauma needs to be workedthrough first.
So on your licensing exam, ifyou see a question asking what
should you do first, you shouldconsider dealing with past
relationship trauma, overjoininga group or seeking out new
(05:32):
possible relationships.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Exactly.
Remember that building supportnetworks often involves both
internal and external work.
Internal work might includechallenging negative beliefs
about relationships ordeveloping better communication
skills.
External work could involveconnecting clients with
community resources, supportgroups or social activities
aligned with their interests.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Let's look at a few case studies.
The first involves a clientlet's call him Clinton, not be
confused with Linton who isstruggling with social anxiety.
Initially, clinton identifies alimited support system
consisting only of familymembers who, while well-meaning,
don't fully understand hischallenges.
They think he should just getout more and stop overthinking
(06:16):
everything.
As you can imagine, thesecomments only increase his
anxiety and feelings of beingmisunderstood.
Clinton's pride and joy is hisbutterfly garden, and that's
where he spends most of his freetime, tending to the plants and
observing the butterflies.
He says it's the only place hetruly feels peaceful.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
This case shows how someone's interests can actually
be a bridge to building astronger support system.
While Clinton's garden servesas a solitary refuge, it could
also become a pathway toconnecting with others.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
I think I see where you're going with this.
How might you use Clinton'spassion for butterfly gardening
as a way to expand his supportnetwork?
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Well, there are several possible approaches.
He might start by joiningonline gardening communities,
which allow for socialinteraction with less pressure.
Or he could consider connectingwith local botanical gardens or
nature groups, where he'd meetpeople who share his interests
and where the focus would be onthe plants and butterflies.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
And what's especially nice about this approach is
that it's building on somethingthat already brings him comfort
and confidence.
He's not just being thrown intorandom social situations.
He's engaging with peoplearound a topic where he has
expertise and genuine interest.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
he's engaging with people around a topic where he
has expertise and genuineinterest Exactly.
Remember that when helpingclients expand their support
systems, you want to work withtheir strengths and existing
interests.
Clinton might feel morecomfortable sharing his
knowledge about butterflyspecies than making small talk
at a coffee shop.
Speaker 1 (07:44):
And the social anxiety might be less intense
when the interaction is focusedon something he's passionate
about rather than on himpersonally.
Plus, nature-based activitiesthemselves can help reduce
anxiety, so he's gettingmultiple benefits.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
That's a BOGO.
Let's look at another case.
This one involves a teenagerwe'll call Lacey, not to be
confused with Stacy, who'sdealing with depression.
Her parents are divorced andwhile both are very concerned
about her well-being, theirdifferent approaches are
creating additional stress.
Her mother, with her Germanbackground, has always
(08:19):
micromanaged her daughter andnow is constantly hovering and
pushing her to talk, while whenshe is with her father, he tends
to back off completely when sheshows any sign of distress.
Speaker 1 (08:33):
This case highlights how even well-intentioned
support can sometimes becomeproblematic.
Both parents want to help, buttheir contrasting styles are
actually making it harder forLacey to develop consistent
coping strategies.
Linton, what are some keyconsiderations when working with
a teen like Lacey to develop amore effective support system?
Speaker 2 (08:54):
First, you need to consider the developmental
aspect.
Teenagers naturally startshifting from family-based
support to peer relationships,but still need stable adult
guidance.
With Lacey, you'd want toconsider how to help her parents
provide more consistent,balanced support, while also
helping her build healthy peerconnection.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
Right.
You might need to providepsychoeducation about Lacey's
condition, teach specificsupport strategies and help
family members understand theimportance of maintaining their
well-being while supportingLacey.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
And there's also the challenge of helping Lacey learn
to communicate her needseffectively to different members
of her support system.
She needs to learn how toarticulate her needs differently
to different people.
She might need one approachwith her overbearing mother,
another with her distant fatherand something entirely different
with friends.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
That's a great point.
Support systems don't have tobe one-size-fits-all.
Different clients can playdifferent supporting roles.
The goal isn't to make everyrelationship provide every type
of support, but rather to helpclients build a network where
all their support needs are metacross different relationships.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Let's do a knowledge check to see if you're catching
the key concept.
What should be your firstapproach when working with a
client with a limited supportsystem?
A Refer them toa support groupof peers working through the
same issue.
B Assess their existingrelationships and help them
identify support.
C Focus on developing andbuilding their social skills.
(10:25):
D Collaborate on creating astructured social schedule for
them.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
Well, did you get it?
The correct answer is B Assesstheir existing relationships and
help them identify support.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
This approach is most effective because it builds on
existing foundations and helpsclients recognize support they
might not have acknowledged.
It's also less overwhelmingthan immediately pushing for new
connections and it helpsclients feel more confident
about their existing resources.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
Let's do a quick recap before we sign off.
Linton.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
First, remember that assessing support systems goes
beyond making a list of peoplein your client's life.
You need to evaluate thequality, accessibility and
nature of those relationships.
Some relationships that seemsupportive on the surface might
actually be counterproductive toyour client's well-being.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
Second, building support networks often requires
both internal and external work.
You might need to help clientsaddress underlying issues like
social anxiety or trust problems, while also helping them
connect with community resourcesand potential support people.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Third, support systems are not
one-size-fits-all.
Different people can providedifferent types of support, and
that's okay.
Can provide different types ofsupport, and that's okay.
The goal is to help clientsbuild a network where all their
support needs are met acrossvarious relationships.
Speaker 1 (11:57):
And finally, when helping clients expand their
support systems start with theirstrengths and interests.
As we saw with Clinton and hisbutterfly garden, these can
provide natural bridges tomeaningful connection.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Thanks for joining us today.
Don't forget to visit us at theFlorida Mental Health
Association Conference in LakeMary, Florida if you're in the
area, and keep those questionscoming.
We love helping you prepare foryour licensure exams.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
Until next time remember it's in there.
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