Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, part of Georgetown University’s Thrive Center

Element 10 of 10

Holding hope

Providers often lose hope in the face of daily crises and persistent challenges.

Key points

  • The consultant must maintain their belief in change in a slowly shifting system. Reflective supervision and other supportive practices are needed to sustain an authentic optimistic attitude.
  • The consultant’s ability to hold hope for the provider and system is bolstered by their positioning.
  • The consultant is able to step out of the system to see possibilities.

Source: Element text is reproduced from 10 Elements Comprise the Essential Core of an Effective Consultative Stance, Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (2025).

Practical Certificate in IECMHC

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Behavioral Support Specialist, Washington