Therapy for Therapists
Therapists are a special breed. We have our own reasons why we came to be therapists and often, we continue to struggle ourselves, even as we do our best to provide care and support to others.
- Ever wondered: I help others, why can't I help myself? Can I actually help others if I can't help myself?
- Struggle with imposter syndrome? Perfectionism?
- Resent what you're expected to give to others, but can't seem to get for yourself?
- Experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, compassion fatigue, or vicarious trauma?
- Do aspects of your clients' experiences or behaviors evoke negative reactions in you that seem disproportionately intense?
- How well do you tolerate your own anger and others' anger directed towards you?
- How good are you at establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries?
- Building into your lifestyle ways to care for yourself and important others outside of work?
- Family and friends complain that they get the short end of the stick with you?
- How well does your current framework for understanding suffering in the world support you as you provide compassionate care to your clients and navigate your own pain and that of your loved ones?
- Questioning your life choices?
- _____ Insert your specific need(s) or concern(s) here.
Therapists sometimes struggle to heal and to grow because they've learned that they need to have it all together. They need to show up to supervision, consultation, or personal therapy with everything figured out. They should never experience transference or countertransference with clients. There's something wrong with them if they have outside interests. (Ironic statements.)
Therapists also may find it hard to find a therapist. It's hard to find a therapist that you don't know. You have a long list of criteria for what you want and don't want in a therapist.
You may be afraid to open up because you're afraid that the therapist will judge you. Therapist development (personal and professional) should continue even after licensure. I admire therapists that do their own work. It makes you a better therapist, not a worse one.
Many become therapists because their family expected them to be the resident counselor. It can be both relieving and nerve-wracking to be in the client's chair. I know this. I have worked with other therapists as clients and I have sat in the client's chair myself.
Therapy can help you strengthen your personal and professional identity, find healthy ways to navigate stress, be more aware of how your personal and professional experiences intersect (and equip you to respond in healthy ways).
Imagine going to work...
- Without the burden of believing that you are solely responsible for your clients' progress
- With the confidence that comes from having become familiar with all the parts of you (including those parts that might have been rejected previously--those parts that could cause you to make poor clinical decisions if you don't know them well)
- With the energy of that comes from reconnecting with the healthiest parts of you that want to care for others in healthy ways, having established good boundaries and habits to take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Imagine coming home from work able to...
- Let work go and transition home
- Relax and pursue interests or activities that enrich your life
- Love important others well.
Going to therapy can be one of the very best things that you can do for yourself, your family, and your clients. Reach out and see for yourself.