Chief Counselor's Log: #1 - Arrival

Posted on 31 May 2012 @ 5:12pm by Lieutenant JG Delainey Carlisle

384 words; about a 2 minute read

Personal Log: Lieutenant Junior Grade Delainey Carlisle, M.D., Ph.D.

I am slowly but surely settling on the Galileo. So many people teased me about being surrounded by anti-social egg heads on a science vessel, but I am happy to say that couldn't be further from the truth. On the way here, I had the pleasure of traveling with Ensign Theron Rhodes, who talked with me about Tandaran culture. I am more mindful now of offering my hand to shake and I am appreciative of the gentle reminder of my own cultural biases. As a therapist, I am taught to be aware of such things, and I try to be, but it's always nice to get a refresher course, so to speak.

I am a bit nervous about this assignment. While I respect and understand a Starfleet counselor has diplomatic and xeno-psychological research responsibilities wherever he or she is, at heart, I know I am a clinician, a medical professional. Those roles certainly require xeno-psychological knowledge and diplomacy at times, but I prefer to gain that knowledge and skill by meeting with individuals or groups. I shudder at the notion of giving an oral or written overview of any race or cultural group, as if they are specimens to be studied. On the other hand, I know I have to be flexible and willing to try new things. A Chief Counselor on a science vessel is no use if she is unwilling to handle a variety of duties, and that includes xeno-psychological advising. I am most curious about other cultures, I just prefer to learn about them while helping them to address their medical or psychological challenges.

I've met with Lt. Commander Holliday and I really like him. He was kind and relaxed with me, something I'm sure others appreciate. I'm sure he can be stern and direct when he needs to be, but I respect any member of Starfleet who doesn't make their hardware their identity. I also met with the CMO and she seems friendly, though tired. I'd like to get to know her better since our jobs are two sides of the same coin.

I have a department meeting planned for later. I can't wait to dive, but in the meantime, I don't think it hurts to be too prepared.

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