Carrie Jones Interview
Lifeline Shanghai spoke with Carrie Jones, Director of the Community Center Counselling Service.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Carrie: I am from Texas, where I lived in the same home from the time I was 6 months old until I left for university, so not much in my childhood indicated that I’d end up living overseas. My husband and I spent our first two years of marriage in Beijing from 2002-2004, mostly just for the adventure of it, fell in love with China, and have lived in Shanghai for almost 9 years now with our almost 7 year old son.
I enjoy running, reading, baking, laughing, and spending time with family and friends.
How did you become interested in the ‘helping’ professions?
Carrie: My mom also is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), so clearly I was influenced by her though I never consciously realized it until I was an adult. While at a youth conference in high school, the speaker, Tony Campolo, said something that I’ve adopted as my goal ever since – “Give your life back to the God who created it and devote it to people.” With that in mind, I entered university as a religion major. While I still have a strong interest in the spiritual side of people, I quickly realized I wanted a profession that would prepare me to be able to address a broader, more diverse range of needs that people face. I talked with my university advisor and he recommended the social work profession. I think my mom and I both found it a little comical that I ended up doing almost exactly what she does since it wasn’t something we’d ever really talked about before and since as I child I’d told her that social workers were just a bunch of nosy old women who sat around and talked about families.
How important is self-care? Do you have any suggestions on looking after yourself?
Carrie: Extremely – I can’t overemphasize the importance of it. To remain healthy and in a good place, it’s crucial to make sure we’re taking good care of ourselves in every way – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Self-care looks a little different for everyone, but find what works for you and prioritize it.
How long have you been practicing in Shanghai?
Carrie: 8 years. I spent our first year here taking intensive Chinese classes. Please, please don’t ask how much I’ve retained of what I learned in them.
Do you have a specific area, or population, of interest in your work?
Carrie: I work with a broad range of clients, from children to adults, but preteens and teens are probably my favorite to work with. I also have a strong interest in eating disorders and in supporting individuals and families who struggle with them. I used to do anything I could to avoid marriage/couples counselling, but over the years, I have increasingly come to enjoy it too.
Please tell us about the many different Counsellors who work with you at CCS.
Carrie: We currently have a team of 20 counselors, including 6 interns, at 4 locations here in Shanghai (Pudong Jinqiao, Downtown Huaihail Lu, HongQiao, and MinHang). Our counselors have a broad range of specialties and expertise and come from many different countries, so we are able to offer services in many different languages (7 currently – English, Chinese, Spanish, German, Italian, French, and Hindi). We have counselors available evenings and weekends as well as traditional business hours. CCS is committed to making counseling affordable for all and with the interns especially, we are able to be pretty flexible with our rates for those in need.
Please tell us more about the interns who work at CCS.
Carrie: We have two types of interns:
- Student interns – these interns are in the final year of a Master’s Degree program in a mental health field. They receive regular clinical supervision from an experienced licensed mental health professional. As students, they are well equipped with theory, basic skills, and knowledge of the latest developments in the mental health field and are passionate about beginning their careers and further developing their skills and expertise. We are able to be extremely flexible with their rates.
- New professionals – these interns have at least a Master’s Degree in a counseling related field but have not yet gained the 2 years post-Master’s Degree counseling experience we require of our counselors and/or a license. In order to work as interns for CCS, they must be on active track to gain these qualifications, so also often are receiving regular clinical supervision as a certain number of supervised hours are required for mental health licenses.
What can people expect when they come to see you?
Carrie: An hour of undivided attention, genuine care, and unconditional positive regard – and it’s amazing how powerful this can be. Sessions are a place where clients can feel safe and comfortable to express anything knowing they will not be judged and can be assured that I will utilize my professional training and skills to help them accomplish positive change. The massive amounts of tissues gone through in my office bear witness to the number of tears shed as clients often come in with some pretty heavy issues and challenging circumstances, but there is also no shortage of laughter and joy shared in my office.
What is the biggest myth you want to bust about therapy?
Carrie: I am always telling people that being in therapy does not mean there is something “wrong” with you or that you are weak. In fact, seeking help is a sign of strength. I encourage people to think of therapy as similar to personal training – just as having a trainer helps you grow stronger and more fit physically, a therapist can help you grow stronger and more fit mentally and emotionally.
What are the benefits to someone calling a helpline service, like Lifeline Shanghai?
Carrie: Lifeline is tremendously easily accessible, no appointment needed and no cost, so people can get help almost anytime. The fact that calls are anonymous can help reaching out for support feel a little less intimidating. Whether someone just needs a listening ear or help finding other resources, Lifeline can help. Many people who might be hesitant to schedule an appointment with a mental health profession for any number of reasons find it much easier to pick up the phone and call a helpline like Lifeline. Calling alone might be sufficient and, when not, it can definitely make taking the next step a bit easier.
How can people contact the Community Center to make an appointment?
Carrie: For basic information about our counseling services and to view the profiles of all our counselors, visit www.communitycenter.cn. For more specific information or to schedule a session, email counseling@communitycenter.cn or call 136 3631 7474.