Kokeneet (meaning “the experienced ones”) is a podcast series in which long-serving employees of Niemikotisäätiö reflect on their careers and the development of mental health work over the decades. The series explores experiences of the transition away from institutional care, the development of community-based rehabilitation and the growing role of recovery-oriented approaches – in other words, how mental health work has evolved from the 1980s to the present day.
The discussions feature Arja, Lisbeth, Tarja A, Tarja I and Tiina, who have been involved in developing Niemikotisäätiö’s activities since the 1980s. The series is hosted by communications specialist Katja Lampela.
As usual, the song Yhdessä provides the music for our Yhdessä podcast. Its lyrics were created from texts written by service users for Niemikotisäätiö’s 40th anniversary celebration in 2023, where it was performed by a band made up of service users and staff. Listen to the full Yhdessä song here >
What can decades of working in mental health teach us? In the fourth episode of the Kokeneet podcast, Arja, Lisbeth, Tarja A, Tarja I and Tiina once again share their experiences. This time, the conversation turns to their own work, the tacit knowledge gained through years of experience, and what has kept them coming back to work year after year. Long experience brings calmness, intuition and an ability to see beyond words – but also a willingness to learn from younger colleagues and from a changing world.
So, what kind of person is suited to working in mental health? According to the participants, someone with plenty of patience, a sense of humour and the ability to listen, be enthusiastic and inspire others, take responsibility, adapt to changing situations, see the bigger picture and recognise their own limits. They also agree that the most important tool in the work is still the person themselves – not a computer or a system.
The episode also explores recovery from work and the importance of switching off. Relaxation can be found in nature, exercise, animals, hobbies, good food, spending time with loved ones, or sometimes simply through a change of scenery. The discussion is a reminder that taking care of other people’s wellbeing also requires taking care of your own.
Finally, the participants reflect on why the best ideas often emerge somewhere other than at a desk – perhaps while walking, aqua jogging or taking the dog for a walk in the woods.
Please note: The Kokeneet podcast is available in Finnish only. This page provides an English summary of the episode.
