SJ Hart is executive program director of SJ Hart & Associates International Mental Health and Suicide Management Education.  Hart earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education in Therapeutic Recreation from Temple University. The mission of SJ Hart & Associates International is to provide quality and impactful symposiums to improve the lives of those living with mental illness and suicidal ideation, and those who work with them. An excerpt of the interview with Hart follows:

What career path led to your profession of executive program director of SJ Hart & Associates International Mental Health and Suicide Management Education?

After a long career in mental health and substance abuse, I started to write articles and then a book. My book was based on my family’s story about three generations suffering from bipolar disorder, other mental illnesses and one completed suicide. After publishing my book, guest lecturing and speaking at international conferences, I decided to create an education symposium that brings more impactful and useful information regarding symptoms of mental illnesses and suicidal ideation, which provides the “why” along with more comprehensive understanding.

What educational background and/or professional training are essential for this profession?

I am a master’s trained clinician. I was certified for 12 years as an addictions counselor where the majority of my clients had dual diagnoses. I have been on small and large clinical teams and received highly competent clinical supervision. A college education may not be necessary for some, but years of experience both professionally and personally are necessary to connect with others and be successful.

What influenced you to pursue a career in your profession?

Originally my father’s illness and completed suicide influenced my decision to earn both a bachelor and master’s degree. Though I started my career in physical disabilities and rehabilitation, I eventually took a job at a psychiatric hospital working with adolescents.

Writing a book and doing public education was a culmination of feeling desperate and frustrated when my three children got sick and then my own onset all in March 2005. At that point, I did not choose this path. It chose me which was 13 years ago.

What professional, civic or community organization do you belong?

I have done work with many clinical groups and universities. I work as a freelance writer and consult with families with children with mental illnesses as well as school districts.

Who are some of your clients?

I guest lecture at universities across the U.S. including medical schools after they’ve read my book “Lies In Silence” as part of their curriculum. I have trained at local, state and federal law enforcement; local, state, national and international clinical conferences; consultations with foundations and non-profits, as well as the FDA, writers and directors.

What are some of your successful stories?

I call them the stories that fill my gas tank when I am feeling discouraged about the misguided information about suicide. When I teach college students, they absolutely get it. That’s the mission. These young students tell me about finding their roommates hanging in the dorm or an off-campus apartment. They tell me about giving my book to their parents, friends and partners as a way of explaining their suffering. I also found value in training large groups of state troopers and federal officers, most of whom did not understand the “suicide by cop” method of dying. Whether I am in the U.S., Canada or Australia, the reaction is humbling and profound. It is less about success and more about defining suicide accurately so it can be treated accurately. When people contact me through Linkedln, email or by phone, tell me their story and then thank me for getting it right, that is what this is about. My work helps children, family and clients and more broadly those who are suffering silently and their caregivers.

What advice do you give to students who desire to pursue a career as an entrepreneur?

Determine what your mission is in a very clear way. Identify ways to achieve the mission and consider anything from very small to enormous. Find others who share the same mission and consider collaborative work making sure it is a good fit. Make sure you have a support team in place physically, mentally and emotionally as you stumble and re-organize through trial and error.

Dr. Ronald Holmes, Ph.D. is a former teacher, school administrator, test developer and district superintendent. He is the author of 16 books and publisher of The Holmes Education Post, an education focused Internet newspaper. These books include How to Eradicate Hazing; How to Eradicate Cyber Bullying; How to Eradicate Schoolyard Bullying; and How to Eradicate Workplace Bullying. These books serve as a reference guide to an online anti-bullying program that provides training for all students, parents, employees, and managers. These books are also equipped with a 24 hour Web Based Reporting, Tracking, Training and Documentation System that allow individuals to report bullying incidents anonymously from the home, school, work and community.

Click on this link to see a description of all of Dr. Ronald Holmes’ books.