A friend recently sent me this article, particularly noting my propensity for collaboration with other providers.

Particularly important from this article is the following quote: “Further hindering change is the fact that adult physical medicine and psychological medicine remain in separate silos. Utilising ACE research requires breaking down these long-standing divisions in healthcare between what is ‘physical’ and what is ‘mental’ or ‘emotional,’ and that’s hard to achieve.”

ACE stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences (such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction) which all lead to a greater likelihood of early death. Learn more about the pyramid from the CDC here: 

 

This is also exceptionally present in my research on the sexuality of lesbian survivors of breast cancer. Health disparities start well before someone comes out as being gay. It’s also why I refuse to compare lesbian women and heterosexual women in my study. Yes, breast cancer is often a woman’s issue, but how an individual’s risks led them to that point isn’t just based on them being female. In my practice, so many of my clients find themselves sitting across from me because of events that started well before they were even conceived, let alone while they were growing up or what happened five months ago. I am enamored that good psychotherapy and good healthcare allows individuals the possibility of overcoming some of those obstacles. One of the ways I, particularly as a social worker, can assist in making this is possible for my clients is in collaboration with other allied people and professionals.