How Mentoring Begins at My Life My Choice

By Lisa Whittlesey, MSW, Clinical Supervisor

I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the relationship between a Survivor Mentor and their new mentee can be. I joined My Life My Choice this past July as a Clinical Supervisor, and I supervise a team of Survivor Mentors who have recently joined the organization. Together, we have learned about the culture here at My Life My Choice, and how that culture helps create lasting, supportive relationships with mentees from the very beginning.

The connection starts at the time of the assessment. In this first interaction, the youth is given an overview of My Life My Choice services, and we hear directly from the youth about where they are in their recovery process and what they need. The assessment also holds a space to hear from another survivor.

This is an opportunity for me to be completely transparent with the youth we serve and share my story. For so many, this is the first time that the youth can talk with someone who really gets what they’ve been through and acknowledges that they have been victimized. Sharing our experiences as fellow survivors shows the youth that they are not alone, and can reassure them that there are people in the world who understand them without judgement.

If it is determined that we are the best support for a mentee, they will be placed with a Survivor Mentor. The mentor and youth find their own ways to build a therapeutic bond, but it all goes back to connecting over shared experiences. This common ground helps build a new relationship into something a mentee will come to rely on. It has been amazing to help each mentor develop their own style with the youth they are serving to build trust and connection. I absolutely love seeing the skills and strengths that each mentor brings to the table.

I have sixteen years of experience in the field, but joining My Life My Choice has been completely unique. I can be my fully authentic self, and my colleagues are trusting me with their authentic selves. This honesty and openness make our work with the youth we serve all the more impactful. I am so grateful to be here, and to know that our work is supported by the community. Please consider donating today to help us continue to reach new mentees.

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Lisa Whittlesey, MSW joined the My Life My Choice team in July 2021. Lisa has over sixteen years of experience in the human services realm, having worked as a Housing Case Manager for the Justice Resource Institute, as a Mental Health Counselor at the Bournewood Hospital, and devoting twelve years to working with the State of Georgia to provide information and resources to the public. She earned her Masters of Social Work at the University of New England after earning a Bachelors in Social Work at Troy University in Troy, AL.