A Passion to Volunteer; Bridging the Gap

Author; Marina Lemaster LCSW, MSW

February 10, 2024

I sat alone in my office, clutching my phone, watching a young child shaking and crying, with blood-stained cheeks.  Though the tears were enough to leave me stunned, my heart stopped.  I noticed the “other boy,” sitting stoically beside him.  Looking bewildered, dissociated from not only his surroundings, but his body entirely.  Immediately my thought was, “someone begin BLS!”

Scenes like the one I’ve described are faced within our community of Northern California as well as throughout our state.  Conflicts around the world can often conveniently seem so very far away.  But for those in our local communities impacted by grandma’s home burning to the ground, the sounds of propane tanks blasting through the night, or helicopter blades swishing through the air, can be terrifying and unrelenting.  Many times, these lost and bewildered souls, are left to search for limited and often financially out of their reach, interventions and supports.

Many of us as EMDR providers, carry a passion for the experience of individuals; one where our empathy and willingness to hold space when many others have refused, rejected or retreated from those most in pain and fear, we create a bridge.  The passion we bring to this work, can be seen in the evolution of the practice and science of EMDR, and that of trauma treatment as a whole, in what could now be considered, the “most significant period of human history.”

Professionally, it can feel as though we are on one side of a dark abyss, beckoning to another, “have faith, I am here.”  For those facing insurmountable fear, uncertainty, and an overwhelming list of unmet needs, after a natural or man-made disaster, taking this leap of faith can seem completely impossible or unfathomable. So, what can bridge this gap?

Considering our values as mental health professionals, stemming from a variety of ethical agreements we have all forged, we have an obligation to serve those who may otherwise be inhibited and/or prevented access to effective and immediate trauma interventions, “pro bono.” However, with the recent and seemingly cyclical nature of traumatic conditions annually, from the pandemic, chronic poverty, pain, homelessness, unemployment, etc., our caseloads are never easy.

Often, one more meeting, one more phone call, or one more client can feel like a burden we cannot take on.  I have found some simple ways, in my own practice, to incorporate volunteer service, which some of you may find as a bridge to engaging your passion more fully;

1.      ASSESS YOUR WEEKLY CASELOAD AVAILABILITIES

Taking an honest and humble inventory of how to manage and balance professional demands, ethics and documentation responsibilities to determine, “Do I have time?”

2.      ASSESS YOUR BOTTOM LINE

Taking an honest and humble assessment of your bottom line and “needs.” If you made an hour per week available for a non-paying “Pro Bono” client, “Could I make it?”

3.      EVALUATE YOUR MOTIVATIONS

While many of us often take on more than we have the human capacity to achieve, it is important we always manage our own self-care, no matter how passionate we may be. Even as a pro bono provider, it is vital we create safe spaces for recovery.

4.      COMMIT

If you feel confident and passionate in your desire to be a light of hope and a bridge out of terror, then go to our WEBSITE at NORTHERN CALIFORNIA TRAUMA RECOVERY NETWORK - Northern California Trauma Recovery Network We have developed a site with ease, where you can make direct contact with a representative who can walk you through the process.  All forms and supportive resources are available to guide you through becoming an ever so valuable VOLUNTEER for our North state.

The Trauma Recovery Network of Northern California, an organization of volunteer EMDR colleagues and peers, would like to welcome you to bridge the gap.  We are all well intentioned and often desire to do what good we can, where we can. There is a small world across that abyss, yearning for our compassion and nurturing, be that bridge.