At PCH, we prefer to put names and faces to the philosophy guiding our approach whenever possible. To better accomplish that, we will begin sharing the firsthand perspectives of the people behind our treatment programs with monthly staff interviews.

We started this month by asking Allison Stepka, one of our Assistant Program Directors, five questions about her guiding philosophy and principles.

1. What does “mental health” mean to you?

Mental health for me just means “life”. We all hit difficult times in our lives and no one can get through it all alone. And having the opportunity to be a resource for people to help them through those times feels profoundly meaningful.

2. What’s your favorite mental health or well being quote?

“Our cure rate is 0%. There is no cure for the human condition.” – Dr. Jeff Ball

3. How would you describe PCH Treatment Center to a family or friend in need?

I talk about PCH to my friends quite often. I tell them that it is like school for mental health; A lot of my clients refer to the groups as “classes” rather than therapy. It provides a sense of community and acceptance for those that may not have had that sense of support before. I have the pleasure of working with some of the best clinicians around, and we really are able to cater treatment to the individual, rather than applying a “one size fits all” mentality.

4. What’s your superpower?

My superpower is my resilience. I truly feel that no matter what life throws at me, I know that I can handle it because of my own strength and the strength of my support network.

5. What’s your favorite modality of treatment and why?

My favorite therapeutic modality is ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). It is such a different way of relating to yourself and your thoughts and feelings, and it has made such a difference in my clients’ lives and my own life.

6. If you could invite anyone alive or no longer with us to your dinner party, who would you invite?

I would invite my family (who are all alive) to my dinner party. While I could use this opportunity to meet someone influential or monumental, there is no one I would rather have more time with than my parents and my brother.