As experienced counsellors and psychotherapists, we recognise the amazing power of personal therapy. Why else would we dedicate our lives to providing this service to others?
Therapists are only human. Providing therapy can sometimes be emotionally taxing. Secondary trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue are well known professional hazards for counsellors and psychotherapists. Sometimes the client’s material may bring up something of our own that needs attention. At other times we may be facing personal challenges, such as loss, conflict, or transition. Yet, even as therapists, it can feel daunting to reach out for support.
Setting time aside for self-care is essential. Personal therapy is a little like a super-tool, allowing for deeper self-understanding and personal growth. It provides a safe confidential space for self-care and focussed emotional processing: making sure that we are in the best possible place to balance our personal lives, with working ethically and professionally.
Therapy vs supervision
Therapy and supervision are collaborative in nature. Both are underpinned by various theoretical models, which may differ depending on the orientation of the therapist or supervisor you work with. Therapy allows us to focus on our own experiences and personal development. Whereas in supervision, our focus is on monitoring and enhancing the quality of the work we do with our clients; as well as considering ethical dilemmas; and exploring professional development.
Whilst a therapist’s wellbeing may be touched upon in supervision, the supervisor acts more like a mentor; helping the supervisee to reflect on any decline in wellbeing which might need attention before it impacts on their practice. Supervision is an explicit ongoing commitment for counsellors and psychotherapists who wish to maintain registration to a professional body. Personal therapy, on the other hand, is distinct and implicitly endorsed through the guiding principles of 'competence' and 'self-respect'.
When should I seek personal therapy?
You can seek personal therapy whenever you like. You don’t need to be experiencing challenges to gain the benefit of ‘client’ hours. Self-exploration can be an exciting process. We can learn a lot, as therapists, by experiencing the power of therapeutic work, from the other side of the couch. Depending on your preferences and openness, it might also be a fascinating way to explore other modalities and ways of working, with a mind to gaining inspiration for future professional development.
With that being said, there may also be times when personal therapy feels necessary for your own wellbeing. Perhaps it has been advised by your supervisor or peers to ensure you are working safely, with your own wellbeing and the client's in mind.
At such times you may notice:
· A shift in boundaries: are you working longer; on days or at times you wouldn’t normally work; in ways that you would not normally work?
· Difficulty making professional decisions: does it feel challenging to make ethical decisions? Is your judgement impaired by issues, such as financial success or your fondness for a particular client, etc?
· Emotional distress: do you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unable to stop thinking about a client’s issues or your work?
· Burnout/compassion fatigue: do you feel exhausted by, or cynical about the work that you do? Do you feel frustrated, as though you are not accomplishing what you would like to?
· Reliance on the client: have you found yourself seeking validation from your client(s) or making disclosures which gain personal support?
· Self-care: are you finding it harder to engage with personal care or maintain acts which centre your own wellbeing?
· You feel resistance to personal reflection: are you using defences to project onto others, or block owning, understanding, and integrating your own processes?
If you are experiencing any of the above; or would like to engage in therapy to enhance self reflection; reach personal goals; or as a way of addressing life’s current challenges, I am here to support. I adore working with other therapists, knowing full well the powerful impact of the work that we provide. I have spent over 20 years professionally supporting people’s development and growth; first in the education sector, and then later as a counsellor/psychotherapist. I remain inquisitive and committed to my own personal development and I look forward to being with you as you embark on yours.