It is often said that a therapist can only bring their clients as far as they have gone in their own work. As therapists become more self-aware, find healing from their wounds, and develop more self-compassion, they are able to be more present with their own clients and offer their much needed gifts to the world in even more profound ways.
Supporting therapists and other healers is something I really love! I discovered this passion early in my career while working at a college counseling center where many of my clients were counseling students and interns. Over the next twenty (plus) years, it became an area of expertise, and I have supported many new and experienced therapists in their healing and growth. I understand the special needs and concerns many therapists bring to therapy.
I know it can be extra vulnerable to share your humanness with another therapist. There can be fear of being judged as inadequate or as someone who shouldn’t even be practicing therapy at all. I know that therapists are people too. We sometimes struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. We can struggle in relationships and parenting. We have our own wounds and trauma. Managing our own struggles while witnessing and supporting other people who are struggling with intense and often traumatic experiences is challenging. I understand that and work to create a safe and sacred place for your growth and healing.
Compassion Fatigue and Self Care
Many therapists are naturally highly empathic and compassionate. This is often what drew them to the helping field. Being highly empathic, while a great gift, brings its own challenges. We can struggle to set boundaries in our professional and personal lives and end up without space to care for our own needs. Compassion fatigue can become a real problem for therapists and healing professionals, leading to exhaustion and even depression. Making time for ourselves and self-care is critical in avoiding burnout. Therapists know this intellectually and talk about it with their clients all the time, but it’s easier said than done. I am passionate about helping helpers find ways to take care of themselves, so that they can bring the best version of themselves to their work and personal lives.
Therapist as Empath
Some therapists also identify as being empaths and/or intuitives. They may experience “merging” with their clients experiences, struggling to separate from it at times. They may become overwhelmed by working with trauma and intense emotion. They may feel the pain and injustices of the world more intensely than other people. They may feel exhausted at the end of the day from feeling other people’s feelings and processing so much so deeply. Often this happens without conscious awareness, and can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
For decades, I have delved deeply into transpersonal psychology, energy psychology, intuitive studies, meditation, and yogic studies, including the chakra system, to better understand the experience and struggle of empaths, intuitive, and highly sensitive people. I have studied many practices to help support empaths, intuitives, and sensitives, and offer my understanding as resources for this unique set of gifts and challenges.
Let’s Begin
Contact Christina today to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if we are a good fit.
LGBTIQIA+ affirming