TPC Journal-Vol 11-Issue-1

98 The Professional Counselor | Volume 11, Issue 1 in rural areas to provide better access to services and reduce the stigma often associated with mental health. Finally, additional studies about working with rural PCPs may highlight issues (e.g., intimate partner violence) that could benefit from early screening of symptoms. Conclusion Gilligan offers these words: “To have something to say is to be a person. But speaking depends on listening and being heard; it is an intensely relational act” (1982/1993, p. xvi). As indicated in our findings, rural women are too often invisible and unheard. This study represents a first step in amplifying the voices of rural women regarding their specific mental health needs. The experiences of the LPCs in this study have illuminated ways to connect with rural women, listen to their stories, and validate unique aspects of their cultural identities that seem to be well illustrated in one participant’s poem: Rural Women Resilient; stubborn; motivated frightened; broken; courageous Struggling; down-trodden; strong Relentless in self-expectation Armed with determination. A common thread unites us The heart gently calls, and the soul asks only—please—listen to me. Conflict of Interest and Funding Disclosure The authors reported no conflict of interest or funding contributions for the development of this manuscript. References American Psychological Association. (2018). APA guidelines for psychological practice with girls and women. http://www.apa.org/about/policy/psychological-practice-girls-women.pdf Barefoot, K. N., Rickard, A., Smalley, K. B., & Warren, J. C. (2015). Rural lesbians: Unique challenges and implications for mental health providers. Journal of Rural Mental Health , 39 (1), 22–33. https://doi.org/10.1037/rmh0000014 Bender, A. K. (2016). Health care experiences of rural women experiencing intimate partner violence and substance abuse. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions , 16 (1–2), 202–221. https://doi.org/10.1080/1533256X.2015.1124783 Bennett, K. J., Lopes, J. E., Jr., Spencer, K., & van Hecke, S. (2013). Rural women’s health. National Rural Health Association Policy Brief. https://www.ruralhealthweb.org/getattachment/Advocate/Policy-Documents/ RuralWomensHealth-(1).pdf.aspx Broverman, I. K., Broverman, D. M., Clarkson, F. E., Rosencrantz, P. S., & Vogel, S. R. (1970). Sex-role stereotypes and clinical judgments of mental health. Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology , 34 (1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0028797 Brown, L. M., & Gilligan, C. (1992). Meeting at the crossroads: Women’s psychology and girls’ development. Harvard University Press.