A letter to myself as a future therapist to prevent burn out…
Dear Me,
I know some days you sit across from clients thinking if you're doing enough or showing up for them in the way they need you to. Most of the time the answer is yes, but that is not seen so clearly at that moment. When imposter syndrome starts sneaking in, so can the popular phrase burn out. This is when you are feeling unhappy and your mental, physical, and emotional health are all put on the line. Remember we have been here before and we know how to ride this wave, the strategies we used that helped make it out were as follows.
The personalized self-care routine that I stuck strictly to no matter what was going on was so beneficial. This was as simple as taking a hot bath, reading a new book, or going on a nature walk. This time that is set aside is crucial in taking care of myself, so I can be there to bear witness to my clients. Through the learning experience of being a new therapist, it was learned that I must show up for myself first.
The second thing is having a strong support system around me that understands that I am a therapist and some days I won’t be able to show up for everyone. This includes my family and friends who are there to pick me up on the days that I am not able to do that for myself. Having those around you be your silent cheerleaders and there for you on the off days is so important.
The last thing that I do for myself is practice self-reflection at the end of every day in the way of journaling. I tell my clients to journal and keep a collection of their feelings, so of course I do that as well. Self-reflection has kept me honest in how I am feeling throughout all the stages of my life through undergraduate studies, graduate school, internship experience, and then my career as a therapist.
The version of me that is not yet formed and is in the future would speak kind words I believe. Those consisting of “See, I told you we would make it.” or “Showing up is the first step and I am so proud of you.” The past, present, and future versions of myself all have the same answer to the common question which is why therapy? I always knew that I wanted to help people and to help in the form of therapy is the ultimate privilege. Being able to hold a safe place for individuals is a reward other careers wouldn’t be able to give me. I also have had my own struggles with anxiety, which is what introduced me to recognizing, appreciating, and holding space for mental health.
Burnout is real and, in the moment, it is very isolating and anxiety provoking, but just like me you will ride that wave and come out on the other side proud of what you've overcome. I always thought to myself that the negative connotation to burnout could be looked at as a positive thing, because you are putting so much of yourself into a certain situation. Rather relating to your career, parentings struggles, or other common pressures that are apparent in life. As humans we always want to put our best foot forward and to live a life with purpose. This sometimes means listening to your thoughts, feelings, and emotions when you are going through a difficult season. As a mental health professional burnout is very apparent, but with strategies that are catered to you it can be appreciated, rather than feared.
I would encourage everyone reading this blog to also engage in this activity and write a letter to your future self, because what’s more rewarding than thinking about endless possibilities.