Who supports the supporter? The mental health of psychologists and counsellors
Psychologists and counsellors have difficult days too. Why their own wellbeing matters, and why looking after it isn't theirs alone to do.
When we think about psychologists and counsellors, we often imagine people who are calm, understanding and ready to support others. But behind the professional role is a person who also experiences emotions, stress, tiredness and difficult days.
Listening to people talk about their struggles can be meaningful and rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding. Professionals may hear stories of grief, trauma, family difficulties, anxiety and other painful experiences as part of their work. Caring about the people they support does not make them immune to the emotional impact of this work.
Caring for others should not mean forgetting yourself
There can sometimes be an expectation that mental-health professionals should always know how to handle everything. But being a psychologist or counsellor does not mean never feeling overwhelmed or needing support.
Professional wellbeing involves recognising personal limits and maintaining healthy boundaries. Regular supervision, appropriate workload, time away from work and having supportive professional relationships can all play an important role.
It is also important for professionals to recognise when they need support themselves. Seeking professional help when needed is not a contradiction to their role. In fact, understanding the importance of support can strengthen the way professionals care for others.
The support system behind good support
The responsibility does not belong only to the individual professional. Organisations and workplaces also have a role in creating healthy working environments. Reasonable workloads, respectful communication, proper supervision and space to recover are important parts of supporting those who support others.
A psychologist or counsellor does not have to carry everything simply because their job involves helping people carry difficult things.
The person who creates a safe space for others also deserves a safe space for themselves.
At RKS Mental Health & Wellness Center, we believe professional wellbeing is an important part of responsible and sustainable mental-health practice.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the national helpline Tele-MANAS at 14416.
