To live a better life, you start working towards it in the present, and that’s how you live for the future. We all actually do live for a better future, better life, which is eventually better mental health care. Leaders here, play a pivotal role in shaping raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues.
With a career spanning over two decades in clinical counseling and a strong commitment to making a positive impact, Lori Vann has risen to prominence as a driving force behind the Institute for NSSI (Non-Suicidal Self-Injury) and Vann Coaching, Counseling, Consulting. Her journey as a leader in the mental health sector has been marked by dedication, innovation, and a deep sense of purpose.
To know more about Lori’s remarkable journey, join us in the interview below:
Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position at your company. What challenges have you had to overcome to reach where you are today?
I have been a clinical counselor since 1998 and have worked in outpatient clinics, one of the directors for a non-profit counseling center, inpatient psychiatric, and went full-time into my own private practice in 2008. Throughout the last 15 years, I have expanded my business to include coaching and consulting work.
Regarding obstacles, every time I expand a service or develop a new part of the business, there are unique challenges that range from time, energy, and financial management to finding the best resources to assist in the process to challenging how I may have viewed a situation. Starting business coaching almost 7 years ago has been one of the best business decisions that I have made, and I only wish that I would have received it during year 1 of my private practice instead of year 9.
Tell us something more about your company and its mission and vision.
The origins of the Institute for NSSI have been in development since 2000. Through a process of research, direct client contact, case consults with fellow professionals, creation of several support groups, delivering over 115 talks on NSSI throughout the U.S. and several countries, development of the Self-Injury Prevention Intervention Program (SIPIP), and the writing of four books, Lori Vann has been driven by the desire to turn the tide on this international epidemic.
Bothered by the lack of resources, myths, misconceptions, stigma, and harassment that those who participate in NSSI receive, Lori Vann knew that there was an unmet need that so many felt that they could not express. A passion to not only save people’s limbs from bodily harm but to also save their lives is the fire that drives the Institute.
With over 60% of those who engage in NSSI also having a history of suicidal ideation or attempts, the need to address this often hidden, shame-filled behavior is critical.
The Mission Statement for the Institute for NSSI is dedicated to serving the community by providing easily understood and up-to-date information about NSSI, implementable & proven techniques to treat the behavior, and awareness to stop the stigma by starting conversations & providing resources.
How do you build and manage a motivated and effective team?
Servant leadership is a key in creating a business culture. A team that is appreciated and sees a leader serving, helping out, genuinely cares about the welfare of their team, and providing constructive feedback is one that is more likely to build loyalty & they care for your business. Leading by example is one way to summarize what I believe is a tenant for a business’ longevity.
Upper management that is distant, aloof, feels that they are “too good” to do certain tasks will create an environment where the team feels disrespected. Once a leader has lost his/her respect of their team, the bottom line will be negatively impacted through turnover, decreased productivity, potentially more mistakes, and decrease in their reputation in the community.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals for your company? The counseling practice that is associated with the Institute for NSSI is getting ready to double in size and with it, we will be offering additional services.
The Institute for NSSI will continue to pursue its mission to bring education, prevention, intervention, and healing to the local, national, and internal communities. The goal of expanding awareness of the low-cost online support groups is a top priority with second to it providing more speaking events to school districts, colleges, treatment centers, medical programs, and government entities.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization.
Our tag line is Here to Serve and that drives many of the decisions that we make and the focus on the organization. We believe in providing quality, ethical, and professional services from a non-judgmental perspective.
We encourage a collaborative office where we share resources, ask questions, and support one another.
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