As human beings we embrace a lot of what the older generation has passed on. There has been so much of good and along with the good there is some bad that we have embraced as well. Deeply embed in our culture are these statements or beliefs that we have heard or that is being told to us that we have accepted over time. These statements when given importance turns out to be handicap our true potential.
Let’s look at two of these statements pertaining to self-care in this article, click here to see more on self-care:
“I don’t need self-care – I can manage without it!”
This is a statement that therapists probably tell themselves a lot. Self-care amongst counselling therapists is often ignored or taken lightly. Counselling therapists over the years have developed a thought process that, “it’s okay I can handle these sessions and the emotions brought in by making myself available to people, I have been doing this for years.”
However, this is so far from the truth.
If there is no disengagement from the personal stories that are brought into the session, then there will always be a certain part of that story that lingers on in the mind of the therapist. Especially if there is a cause involved that is close to the heart of the therapist, or there is some incident that is similar to what the therapist has experienced.
Let’s looks at some pointers that might help:
Have regular meetings with close associates in the field, this will help to share these feelings.
Engage regularly with a supervisor, as this promotes accountability and sharing of concerns within the counselling session and overall wellbeing of the counsellor.
It would also help to take time to journal or record these thoughts and feelings. There are many ways to let those emotions out, some could tend to lean more on poetry to let out their thoughts and expressions while others may tend to lean on music.
A thought to consider is the aspect of transference and countertransference happening is very high when self-care is missing.
“I don’t have time for self-care – too many people are dependent on me.”
Saviour mentality is a major cause for concern among the counselling fraternity. It is important to gauge one’s own goal for being a therapist. It is imperative for a therapist to define for himself the reason for helping, to what people groups he wants to reach out and to what extent. Setting clear boundaries help the therapist in offering good care to the clients.
It is impossible to be available everywhere, all the time. Taking on too much of a workload may not be helpful as it affects the quality of the counselling care offered.
Here are some points for consideration:
Have only a certain number of clients on a daily basis.
Keeping small breaks in between sessions will help to replenish oneself.
Keeping the time limit to 45 mts. to 1 hour would be ideal.
Seeing clients based on appointments will help to keep limits to the number of clients being met every day.
Drawing clear boundaries with regards to the area of work will greatly help.
If self-care is practiced regularly, then the care that is given and the number of people that a therapist can be available to will be higher.
For more articles on self-care, click here: Never underestimate the power of self-care, Emotions and self-care, Myths about self-care part 2
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