A Therapist for a therapist

Let’s try to look back at the time you thought of becoming a therapist...

What a journey, right? As beautiful and as enriching the process of becoming a psychologist is, it also helps one self shape into a better human being. While interacting with so many human lives and learning about their narratives, a lot of perspective is gained and changed.

The process of therapy isn't just one way, but involves a complete submission even from the

side of the therapist in order to dive deep into what maybe happening with the client, which

can make the process look extremely rigorous and exhausting. Taking care of your own mental health might not be just a process of self care but is also necessary as a lot of what

happens in the sessions that stay with us even after it and in order for it to not compromise

with the quality of our work, it becomes important to process it all through. From having ethical dilemmas, to everyday life situations, to isolation and handling difficult clients, there

is everything a mental health professional deals with. As a therapist, you spend your days helping others navigate their mental and emotional challenges. You're the one they turn to

for support, guidance, and healing. But who do you turn to when you need help? The truth is, therapists are not immune to mental health struggles. In fact, the demands of the job can

often take a toll on our own well-being. That's why it's so important for therapists to have their own therapist, someone they can turn to for support, insight, and self-care.

Here are a few reasons why every therapist should have their own therapist:

• Therapists are human too: No matter how skilled and compassionate we are as therapists, we still experience our own emotions, stressors, and traumas. It's only natural that these experiences can take a toll on our mental health. Having our own therapist allows us to process these feelings in a safe and supportive environment.

• Self-care is important: As therapists, we often encourage our clients to prioritize self- care and stress management. But how can we do this effectively if we're not taking care of ourselves? Seeing a therapist can help us identify our own needs and develop healthy coping strategies.

• Avoiding burnout: Burnout is a common issue for therapists, and it can be a serious threat to our mental and emotional health. By seeing a therapist regularly, we can identify the signs of burnout and take proactive steps to prevent it.

• Professional growth: Seeing a therapist can also be an important part of our professional development. It allows us to reflect on our own therapeutic approach, gain new insights into human behaviour and motivation, and deepen our empathy and understanding of our clients' experiences.

• Modelling healthy behaviour: Mental health professionals often encourage their clients to practice self-care and regulate their emotions. It's important for professionals to model these behaviours themselves in order to be effective role models and help their clients feel motivated to make positive changes in their lives.

• Emotional regulation: It's important for mental health professionals to have the ability to regulate their own emotions in order to be able to provide effective support for their clients. Without proper emotional regulation, professionals may find themselves being triggered by clients' experiences or taking on too much of their clients' emotions. So, here are a few suggestions on how mental health professionals can practice self-care and regulate their own emotions:

• Practice mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises

• Prioritise physical health by getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy nutrition

• Take regular breaks throughout the day to recharge

• Engage in hobbies and activities that bring joy and relaxation

• Seek supervision or consultation from colleagues when needed

In conclusion, self-care and regulation of one's own emotions and mental well-being are crucial for mental health professionals. If you're a therapist who hasn't yet sought out your own therapist, now is the time to do so. Remember, taking care of yourself is not only important for your own well-being, but also for the well-being of your clients. By prioritising your own mental health, you can become an even more effective and compassionate therapist.

Disclaimer: This blog post is meant for awareness/entertainment purposes only. It is not medical advice and one must refrain from self-diagnosing. It is in no way a substitute for therapy with a mental health professional and it is not meant to be clinical. To consult with a psychotherapist on our team, you can contact us on fettle.counselling@gmail.com.