Why We Need Community—and How It Can Transform Our Work
What Does Community Mean to You?
When you think of community, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the people who live nearby or a group of individuals who share your values and goals. At its heart, community is about connection—it’s about having a network of people who understand you, support you, and share in the journey.
Research backs this up: people with a strong sense of community report greater happiness, better life outcomes, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. It’s no surprise that being part of something bigger than ourselves feels good. We’re wired for connection—it’s as essential as the work we do.
Why Community is a Must for Helping Professionals
Let’s face it: working in fields like psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, or social work isn’t for the faint of heart. The work we do is meaningful and transformative, but it can also be emotionally heavy. Sometimes, the weight of our clients’ stories stays with us long after the day is done.
While we often hear, “Leave work at the door,” those of us in counseling know it’s rarely that simple. The emotional demands of our work can take a toll over time, especially if we’re navigating it alone.
That’s where community comes in. Having a supportive network of peers can make all the difference. Whether it’s debriefing after a challenging session, sharing resources, or just knowing someone else “gets it,” community helps us carry the load—and reminds us we’re not alone.
My Journey to Building Community
When I started working one-on-one in private practice, I quickly realized how isolating the work could be. While I loved my clients and felt fulfilled by the progress we made together, I missed having colleagues to share the journey with. I longed for a sense of connection—a space where I could exchange ideas, share challenges, and find support.
This realization was a big part of why I decided to expand from solo practice to running a group practice at Wholetherapy. Creating a sense of community wasn’t just about building a supportive environment for myself; it was about fostering a culture where therapists could feel connected and valued.
That same passion for community inspired me to start MITI (Maritime Integrative Trauma Institute). I hope MITI can become a resource for other therapists working in solo practice—a place where they can find the connection, support, and collaboration that makes this work sustainable.
The Power of Professional Connection
When we actively engage in a professional community, we create space for collaboration, support, and growth. Having trusted colleagues to turn to not only helps us manage the emotional weight of our work but also enriches our practice.
Through community, we gain fresh perspectives, discover new tools, and learn from others’ experiences. Whether it’s a peer sharing insights from a recent training or a brainstorming session about a tough case, these moments of connection help us show up better for our clients—and for ourselves.
How to Build Your Own Community
Building connections in your workplace or professional field doesn’t always happen naturally, but there are plenty of ways to get started:
- Join Team Events: Social gatherings and team-building activities are great opportunities to deepen relationships with coworkers and start meaningful conversations.
- Attend Trainings and Workshops: Learning alongside others is a powerful way to connect. Bonus points if you strike up a conversation with someone who shares your passion for a specific modality!
- Share Your Expertise: Mentoring a new colleague or presenting at a workshop not only strengthens your skills but also fosters connections within your field.
It’s More Than Just “Venting”
Community isn’t just about having someone to commiserate with after a hard day—though that can certainly help. It’s about building a network of trust, collaboration, and shared growth. It’s about knowing you have a group of people who understand the joys and challenges of this work.
And most importantly, it’s about being reminded that you’re human, too.
Let’s Build Community Together
At MITI, we’re passionate about creating spaces for connection, collaboration, and growth. Our EMDR Continuing Learning Cohorts and psychoeducational workshops are designed to foster community while offering valuable tools and insights for your practice.
Ready to join us? Whether you’re looking for ongoing learning, peer support, or a space to connect with like-minded professionals, MITI has a place for you.
Explore our upcoming courses, cohorts, and resources to see how you can connect with our growing community of helping professionals. Together, we can create a network that uplifts, inspires, and strengthens us all.
Learn More About MITI’s Communities and Offerings
Helliwell, J. F., Layard, R., & Sachs, J. (2020). World Happiness Report 2020. Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
Cunningham, J. (2018). The Role of Peer Support in the Mental Health of Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Mental Health Review Journal, 23(2), 97-115.
Figley, C. R. (2002). Compassion Fatigue: Psychotherapists' Chronic Strain and Its Impact on Their Careers. In S. H. Jordan & D. H. H. H. Lemoine (Eds.), The Compassion Fatigue Workbook: A Resource for Therapists and Caregivers (pp. 81-94). Routledge.
McCann, I. L., & Pearlman, L. A. (1990). Vicarious Trauma: A Framework for Understanding the Psychological Effects of Working with Victims. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 131-149.