Therapy for Mental Health Professionals

Being a therapist can take its toll

While being a therapist is one of the most rewarding professions, it has unique challenges that can take a toll on us. Because of the nature of some types of therapeutic work, we can experience vicarious or secondary trauma from working with clients with trauma or abuse histories.

Therapy is one of the few professions in which one of the most important tools we have at our disposal is our own self-awareness. I include writing about myself, because I so firmly believe that exploring our own personal issues makes us aware of our “blind spots,” triggers, and issues. If not addressed, these can become problematic when we’re in the room with our patients.

Those of us who go into the helping profession can also benefit from working with a therapist to assess self-care strategies, access vulnerabilities, learn unconditional positive regard, and develop coping strategies. Being a role model to our patients is part of our job.

Access feelings

Aside from our training and experience, our own therapy helps us in our counter-transference reactions. It keeps us attuned and separate. Our personal growth, development, and evolution, in turn, help our patients. 

What a wonderful experience it has been to have the honor and privilege to restore my patients’ sense of worth and value, and to help them overcome and master the challenges of their past. It is extremely satisfying to be the one to deeply connect, contain powerful feelings, and provide a corrective experience.

Of course, having supervision and a theoretical framework to support our training provides a way to listen and continually develop our skills.

Is this the way you’d like to feel, too?

Therapy for us shows that we are not hypocrites and that we believe what we communicate to our patients.

Each of us benefit from ongoing therapy not only when we experience problems in our personal lives, but to prevent professional burnout.

Such a privilege

It would be such a privilege to work with you. Imagine being a patient but also a respected colleague, peer, and equal. Let me help you be not only YOUR BEST SELF personally, but also enable you to be at your best in your profession.

While this is your journey to take, you don’t have to take it alone.

I am willing to be your fellow traveler on this journey.

Call me at (516) 621-1898 to schedule a free 15-minute telephone consultation.