Standing in the Rain

Image of person holding umbrella

Have you ever had a week where it rained practically the entire week?  No sun shone, just clouds and rain? Sometimes the rain poured, but mostly it was a constant drizzle with no respite.

Ours is a difficult profession….and sometimes feels like one of those weeks.  Our clients’ stories are often difficult to hear…and to project empathy.  Our clients, of course, have had a much more difficult time because they have lived the story.  But to hear story after story, empathizing all the while, is taxing. Continue reading “Standing in the Rain”

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Working as an Ice Sculptor in Therapy

Some clients are complicated and challenging, for one reason or another.  Some have a long history of difficulties in life — and may take a while to address; some are complex and difficult with which to work.

Regardless of how or why a client presents the way that they do, the result of what is happening in the therapeutic process and relationship can be the same.  You may make slow progress.

I like to share a metaphor with my supervisees that has given me great perspective as a clinician when things are slow-going.  It is that of an ice sculpture. Continue reading “Working as an Ice Sculptor in Therapy”

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Self-care and the Counselor

Self-care

I’ve had lots of conversations recently with both students and supervisees regarding self-care.

With students, somewhere along the way, many get the impression that “self-care” is a version of being very nice to yourself every once-and-a-while.  Some typical examples that I hear: getting a massage, going to a spa, shopping, and binge-watching Netflix.  While getting a massage or going shopping are great things to do to relax or treat yourself, to me, this isn’t what I would consider self-care in the counseling profession. Continue reading “Self-care and the Counselor”

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