Elliott Connie
Founder/PresidentElliott Connie, MA, LPC is a Psychotherapist that practices in Arlington, Texas. He has worked with thousands of individuals, couples, and families applying the solution...
My recent conversation with David Archuleta at the Hollywood & Mind Event reminded me of an important lesson about authenticity that every therapist needs to hear.
I’m currently in Beverly Hills, and let me tell you why I’m here. I got invited to speak at an event called Hollywood and Mind. And Hollywood and Mind is an organization, and they like to say they live in the intersection between the entertainment world and the mental health world. And they wanted me to do an interview with somebody by the name of David Archuleta.
Now, if you don’t know that name, David Archuleta came in second in American Idol, like, 20 years ago. Long time ago. 2008, I think, but long time ago. But he wrote a book about his journey from being raised in the Mormon community, and then coming out as gay, and then leaving the Mormon faith, and how that helped him and impacted his mental health.
I wanted to make this video really quickly to highlight, the book is really about authenticity. And this is not a plug for the book. Buy the book, don’t buy the book. It’s not a plug for the book. It’s just, part of my journey has always been, I want you to be your authentic self.
In order for you to be the most effective person, including clinician, you have to be your most authentic self. In order to be a happy person. In order to be the best clinician you can be. Authenticity really matters, and your mental health depends upon it. It’s really that important.
And then today I met this guy who’s very successful. He’s a touring singer, came in second on American Idol, did all these things to be really successful. But his biggest struggle was he wasn’t living his true self. Now, in his case, it’s about coming out in the queer community. This word he uses, queer. And it was amazing to get to interview him. It just highlighted to me this message that I’ve been saying for a really long time.
In order for you to be the best version of you, as a clinician, as a person, and be happy, you also have to be your true, authentic self. That’s why I dress the way I dress, and do the things I do. It’s why I love coming and taking walks. It’s why I like to represent who I am and where I’m from. It’s good for my mental health. It makes me a better clinician.
So be you.
Elliott Connie, MA, LPC is a Psychotherapist that practices in Arlington, Texas. He has worked with thousands of individuals, couples, and families applying the solution focused approach to help them move their lives from the current problems towards their desired futures. As well as being the Founder and President of The Solution Focused Universe, he is recognized around the world speaking at national and international conferences and events throughout the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland, England, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Scotland, Holland, Canada, and Asia training practitioners to apply solution focused questions and techniques in their work. He has authored or co-authored 4 books including “The Art of Solution Focused Therapy”, ‘Solution Building in Couples Therapy”, ‘The Solution Focused Marriage’, and ‘Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with Clients Managing Trauma’.
