Therapy for Therapists
Being a Therapist can be very stressful and draining; we offer attention, empathy, and care to our clients daily. Without proper self-care we can be left feeling drained, overwhelmed, and overburdened. There are so many more pressures you face as a Therapist that can make it a struggle to keep going at times. You may wonder if you want to stay in this field and if its all worth it. (I know what this feels like, I have been there as well.)
It can be hard to manage your caseload, paperwork, insurance companies, letting go of difficult cases and keeping up with email/phone calls can wear out even the most seasoned Clinician. By the end of each day you just want to go home and collapse on your couch. Because of all the demands, all Therapists/Counselors are more at risk for burnout and compassion fatigue than in other fields.
Just like clients, Therapists face personal issues with life changes, relationship problems, stress, death of a loved one or other traumatic event that can cause overwhelming negative emotions and impact your ability to cope. If these issues are not addressed you can struggle to be present for your clients and it can impact your effectiveness if its not addressed.
Taking the first step can be the hardest especially if you are having some negative thoughts such as “I’m a Therapist I shouldn’t need help” Or “I should know how to fix my problems on my own.” Many Therapists have thoughts that they should have their lives together if they are helping others in the mental health field. These thoughts are simply not true! You are human not a superhero. All of us need some time to process the difficulties in our lives.
It can be intimidating to be the client instead of the Therapist but this gets easier over time. Through my own experience with therapy I’ve learned that we all need support at different points in our lives and it helps you be a better Therapist to receive your own therapy.
Therapy for therapists can really help change your perspective on your concerns, and help you find solutions you wouldn’t have thought of on your own. It also can give you the space to share your concerns and allow yourself to be heard and validated. It gives you the peace of mind you are looking for. It allows you the ability to grow individually and as a Clinician. It helps you to stay more focused and present during sessions so you can give the best care to your clients.
I am passionate about helping other Therapists and Counselors. I can provide a empathetic ear to help you through any work related difficulties or personal struggles you face. I consider myself “the self-care expert” and can assist you in developing consistent self-care plans and coping skills to help you to better handle challenges you face.