Recently a former student contacted me for some consultation regarding working with clients who have a trauma history.
As we spoke, I was reminded of how important it is for people in the helping professions to take care of themselves. While she had questions about specific ways to work with clients, her greater need was to incorporate ways of caring for herself into her daily routine.
Some of the requirements of her work setting were actually causing her more stress than her clients were. I often tell students that I use more of my clinical skills with administrators and colleagues than I do with clients! Systems have a way of beating us down if we are not careful.
Sometimes we are faced with ethical dilemmas when we see that providing clients with what they need comes into conflict with the rules of our employers. Determining the best course of action can be very stressful. Allowing ourselves to get caught up in the conflict can prevent us from having the clarity we need to make the most appropriate decision under the circumstances.
Many times it’s possible to work with our employers to change the system that’s causing the dilemma. When that is not feasible, it can be helpful to remember the serenity prayer and make our peace with whatever decision is most consistent with our value system and current reality.
There may be some rare circumstances in which we find we can no longer work for an employer who insists on policies that are detrimental to clients, but quitting our jobs, while gratifying on one level, is usually not feasible. When we need to make a compromise, we also need to let go of the distress we feel at not being able to make situations work out the way we would like.
Being particularly gentle with ourselves can be crucial to enhancing our own well-being so we can continue to be effective with our clients.
I will share some techniques for developing a self-care plan in future blog entries.
Hope Makes Healing Possible!
Patricia Sherman, Ph.D., LCSW
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