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Do psychologist ever feel that their job is to much to handle/ too overwhelming?

I ask because I've heard the job can be emotionally draining and I can be a sensitive/emotional person. #counseling-psychology #therapy #psychology #psychologist #stress

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Thank you comment icon Zalyia, I would say the only time I get emotionally drained is when the client is there to fulfill an obligation due to dirty UA test or a mandatory referral. Generally these people are not good candidates for therapy. I find that very draining. When people are there to really work on their issues, I find it invigorating. Having said that, it is very important for me to have strong boundaries and excellent self care. Judith-Ann Anderson
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Jyoti’s Answer

Hello,
Simple answer to the question is Yes, sometimes it becomes too much to handle especially if counsellor get attached to client, if counsellor tries to relate the events , if counsellor tries to put himself/herself in the position and tries to solve the situation rather than providing counselling/help. Some people cannot handle negativity, this is a difficult job for them.
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Daniela’s Answer

Hi Zalyia,


According to Tyger Latham, a licensed clinical psychologist, practicing in Washington, DC:


"Therapists can benefit from being in therapy as much as their patients".


Therapy can be an important component of our professional as we learn from our own therapists. In doing so, we are forced to look at our own base instincts and empathize with our clients all too human wishes and impulses. 


The therapist who is able to identify and work through these personal conflicts is far less likely to "act out" with their clients in ways that can potentially be destructive. In fact, some have argued that therapy should be a requirement for anyone entering the profession. Indeed, this was what Sigmund  had intended when he wrote (Freud, 1912):


"Anyone who wishes to practice analysis should first submit to be analyzed himself by a competent person. Not only is the purpose of learning to know what is hidden in one's own mind far more quickly obtained and with less expense of affect, but impressions and convictions are received in one's own person which may be sought in vain by studying books and attending lectures... That analyst, however, who has despised the provision of analysis for himself will be penalized, not merely by an incapacity to learn more than a certain amount from his patient, but by risking a more serious danger for others".


While I concur with Freud that being in one's own therapy can be personally enlightening and informative, I do not believe it can or should be mandated of all therapists. With that said, I would hope that anyone called to this profession would understand the maxim that in order to help others you must first help yourself.


Source:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/therapy-matters/201106/why-therapy-is-important-therapists
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