Ever wondered what motivates healthcare professionals to write? The answers may surprise you. Welcome to Medika’s author interviews with some of our more prolific authors. These professionals have been kind enough to allow us a glimpse into their lives as they share what motivates them, why healthcare is important to them and how they view the writing process.
About Davina
Davina is a Registered Social Worker in Ontario, Canada. She is also a Certified Solution Focused Therapist (CSFT) with the Canadian Council of Professional Certification (CCPC) Global Inc. Davina has extensive Social Work experience working in the adult and pediatric rehabilitation sectors, inpatient and outpatient healthcare services, as well as community-based services. She is also the owner of Meaningful Independence, a virtual counselling practice that offers support to individuals, couples, and families by phone and online video across Ontario.
Tell us a little about yourself Davina. Where were you born and do you still live in your birth country? Tell us a little about your family and what made you choose your current field.
I was born in Ontario, Canada and still live there. I have very supportive parents as well as a close relationship with my siblings. My initial training was in Psychology and, as much as I enjoyed it, I chose to become a Social Worker instead as I realized how much value I find in supporting clients as they navigate different challenges and stressors, being part of an inter-professional team working toward common goals in support of clients, and working within the health, social, and community service systems.
How long have been in your profession and what changes have you seen?
I have been working as a Social Worker since 2009. Over the years, I have gained a wealth of experience in inpatient, outpatient and community service settings, adult and pediatric populations, research and clinical experience, as well as an extensive background supporting people impacted by various disabilities and chronic illnesses. More recently, I have launched a private practice, called Meaningful Independence, where I offer virtual counselling to individuals, couples, and families across Ontario. My goal is to continue to grow my private practice over time and be able to support more people looking for help and support.
What motivates you and drives you?
Seeing clients discover their strengths and abilities and observing them grow, learn, and problem solve through challenges and barriers are very inspiring and definitely motivate me in my daily work with clients.
What does your writing offer you, seen from an emotional perspective.
Being able to write about topics of interest to me – whether it’s related to virtual counselling, mental health, health care, disabilities or chronic illness, life transitions, or other categories – allows me to find a way to express my experience, knowledge, and learnings in a way that feels very therapeutic and almost meditative.
The level of reflection and deep thinking that goes into writing each article allows me to communicate in a unique and special way with readers who may also be the client populations I serve, which is quite rewarding and fulfilling.
What are your crowning glories so far? What are you most proud of?
It is hard to believe I have been working for more than a decade and have held so many different roles in supporting client needs in some way or form. I am most proud of being able to help clients reach their “lightbulb” moment in sessions where they may come to a new insight or realization, figure out another way of approaching or handling a problem they are dealing with, or simply learn how to process their thoughts or feelings deeply in an effort to cope better in their daily lives.
I truly value being able to support a client as they go through the ups and downs of their journey and am honored that they trust me to be a part of that process.
What are your goals and aspirations for next decade. Where do you see yourself in ten years time.
In 10 years, it would be incredible to see my private practice expanding to the point where I may be able to do it on a full time basis. I am excited to see where my learning, writing, professional development, and experience take me as my career progresses.
What are your views on healthcare right now and how can we improve the quality of care to patients.
Speaking purely out of experience offering virtual services in my private practice, I do feel that there will be more opportunities for online counselling in the future. The challenges brought by the pandemic have required us to engage with one another in a digital way for the sake of health and safety, and I wonder if this change in the way we interact may become more of a norm moving forward.
I also think that there are some benefits of virtual care as it can offer more convenience, access, and options to clients who others may not have in-person services available in their region that meets their specific needs.
Do you write for other publications, blogs and columns?
In addition to writing for Medika Life, Being Well and creating posts on Medium, I am currently in the process of exploring other writing opportunities that are coming my way. Who knows what the future holds!
