Quote:
Originally Posted by farmergirl
Then he said, one of the things he had to learn in his profession was how to keep a separation between himself and his clients. He was very quick to say that doesn't at all mean he doesn't care; he cares deeply about me for instance. But he has learned that his clients' stuff is their stuff. It isn't about him. He can't take on the pain and depression and memories because (a) that's not really possible anyway, and (b) he would have completely burned out years ago and would be no use to any client.
His point was that I do have the ability to choose how I respond to things just as he has to each and every day. He realizes I don't think I do at times, but that I have proven over time that I am learning how to do that, so further gain IS possible, even if it doesn't feel that way. A message of hope and support I guess. I'm full of skepticism, but logically I know he's right (I hate it when he's right  ). |
I know from working with the MR/DD population that one has to separate oneself from the issues of the clientele you work with or you would go insane. You can only really carry your own burdens; no one else's. You can sympathize, empathize, assist, etc., but you cannot take on the burden of pain that another carries. I understand completely what your T is saying. It doesn't mean he cares any less. He has to take care of himself to be able to take care of others.
His second point corresponds to my thread on choices. We choose how we respond to each and every thing in our lives; consciously or unconsciously. The process of change can be slow, but you will keep growing as long as you choose to.