Starfleet Medical Academy Counseling Lecture - How to Be A Useful Fly on the Wall (and hopefully keep sane in the process)

Posted on 26 Jan 2025 @ 5:09pm by Lieutenant JG Delainey Carlisle

462 words; about a 2 minute read

Starfleet Academy, Counseling Department Lecture, September 2380

Delainey Carlisle stood at the front of the lecture hall, the holographic image of a starship rotating slowly behind her. Her students, a mix of eager cadets and seasoned officers pursuing advanced counseling certification, watched with rapt attention.

“Imagine this scenario,” she began, pacing slowly. “Your crew has just survived a traumatic mission—one that tested their physical limits and moral resolve. Now, they’ve been given new orders, but the details are unclear. The air is thick with uncertainty, and as the ship’s counselor, it’s your job to assess their emotional well-being and ensure they’re ready for what’s next. Where do you start?”

She tapped a control, and a list appeared on the holo-display: Direct Methods and Indirect Methods.

“Direct methods are obvious,” she said. “Individual counseling sessions, group debriefings, even informal conversations in the mess hall. These allow you to gather firsthand accounts of how the crew is coping. But remember, not everyone will open up willingly—especially in the wake of a collective trauma. That’s where indirect methods come in.”

She gestured to the display. “Pay attention to patterns. Are sickbay visits increasing? Are arguments breaking out in unexpected places? Has the holodeck schedule become busier than usual? These can be early warning signs of a crew struggling to process their emotions.”

Delainey paused, scanning the room. “Now, let’s talk about you. As counselors, you’re expected to be available 24/7—not just for the crew, but as a command advisor. This dual role can be overwhelming, and burnout is a real risk. To prevent it, establish boundaries. Schedule time for your own mental health, whether that’s meditation, exercise, or simply disconnecting for a few hours.”

A cadet raised a hand. “But what if the crew needs us during that time?”

Delainey smiled. “You’re no good to anyone if you’re running on empty. Build a support network. Train junior counselors or trusted crew members to handle minor issues in your absence. And always remember: self-care isn’t selfish. It’s how you stay strong enough to guide others.”

The bell chimed, signaling the end of the session. “Your well-being,” Delainey concluded, “is just as important as the crew’s. Never lose sight of that.”

Letting her words linger in the air as Delainey made her way back to her desk, she contemplated the stack of assignments to grade on one side and her untouched lunch on the other.

Sitting and contemplating her options for a good 30 seconds, she eventually sighed and dug a fork into her food, and after chewing it and wiping her mouth, she offered to no one in particular, "Best not to be a hypocrite too early in the semester, eh, Del?"

RSS Feed