As Veterans Day approaches on Nov. 11, this Employee Spotlight features a veteran who works HSD’s Aging and Disabilities Services division to help older adults – including many veterans – deal with isolation and depression. Suzet Tave is a U.S. Navy veteran and a PEARLS (Program to Engage Active and Rewarding Lives) Counselor who has been providing services at HSD for more than eight years. Suzet writes about PEARLS and why her work is so rewarding.
What is your role at Seattle Human Services?
My role is to provide problem-solving treatment and behavioral activation for aging adults who are experiencing symptoms of depression. As a PEARLS Counselor, I have the opportunity to support, encourage, and educate aging adults who may be struggling with isolation, lack of motivation, and loss of independence or life challenges.
What is the PEARLS program and why is it important to you personally?
PEARLS focuses on assisting adults ages 55 years and above with symptoms of depression through a short-term intervention. Our program offers eight sessions at no cost that assist and guide the client through tools to reduce symptoms of depression with the goal of helping them engage in active lives.
Problem-solving skills assist the client to explore and solve challenges that could be contributing to their mood. Behavioral activation involves three elements: social, physical, and pleasant activities.
PEARLS is important to me because it aids veterans, their spouses, and spouse survivors who are struggling with symptoms of depression. As a Navy veteran, I know that obtaining services to aid in mental health can often be a challenge for a veteran. PEARLS makes it accessible and available at no cost.
With Veterans Day approaching, what resources are available to veterans and their families
- PEARLS for veterans, veteran’s spouse and spouse survivors – Suzet Tave, PEARLS Counselor: 206-276-3614 – suzet.tave@seattle.gov
- King County Veterans Program – Seattle and Tukwila office: 206-263-8387 – website
- WA State Department of Veterans – 1-800-562-2308 – website
- American Legion – Website
- Minority Veterans of America – 425-566-9459 – website
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
Often, clients have the assumption that it’s OK to struggle with symptoms of depression. They can feel that support is not available to them or that they should just accept the challenges that come with symptoms of depression. During their experience with PEARLS, they learn skills that help them realize they can pursue a better quality of life.
So I guess my favorite thing about my job is witnessing my clients’ progress. Watching them actively and enthusiastically apply the skills they learn into their daily lives is very rewarding.