6 answers
Thomas
Student
Sterling Heights, Michigan
1
Question
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Psychiatrists out there, do you carry any baggage from your clients? if so how do you cope with it?
Hi! I'm Thomas, I'm interested in psychiatry and human psychology, and I would like to know more about how people in the psychology professions think about their work. #psychology #psychiatry #clinical-psychology #career
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6 answers
Susan Delphine Delaney
Psychiatrist
30
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Susan Delphine’s Answer
I've been a psychiatrist 42 years now. In the beginning the things you hear from patients upset you. In the beginning you are not sure who in the family is lying to you. Supervisors help sort things out. Peer consultations help. I don't think that there is a "how" you learn to distance yourself from tragedy and drama, somehow you just keep coming back to the work and it happens. I suspect your unconscious mind does this for you, and there are no buttons and levers to work, you just learn, unconsciously.
At about year 22 into it, I began to work two days a week with homeless, mentally ill persons in downtown Dallas. That was a new-to-me level of suffering and drama. The learning process began again, but, again, I just kept doing the work and one day I could fully empathize with someone who'd lost two grandchildren that month in two different drive by shootings while I was with her, and then let it go and move on to the next one.
Again, I am pretty sure that it is an unconscious mechanism, supported by peer or supervisory support for really disturbing situations. But even then, you process the situation and then get back to the work. That's how you learn to "leave it at the office."
At about year 22 into it, I began to work two days a week with homeless, mentally ill persons in downtown Dallas. That was a new-to-me level of suffering and drama. The learning process began again, but, again, I just kept doing the work and one day I could fully empathize with someone who'd lost two grandchildren that month in two different drive by shootings while I was with her, and then let it go and move on to the next one.
Again, I am pretty sure that it is an unconscious mechanism, supported by peer or supervisory support for really disturbing situations. But even then, you process the situation and then get back to the work. That's how you learn to "leave it at the office."
Jenna Guglielmini
School Psychologist
3
Answers
Parkville, Maryland
Updated
Jenna’s Answer
Hi! I am currently a graduate student in school psychology; however, this profession requires a lot of fieldwork, so I have already had a lot of experiences working with students in the schools. Even thought I am still new to this profession, the baggage that students bring with them to school can be extremely difficult to deal with. There is a reason why psychology (along with other professions) experience so much burnout and secondary trauma. The students at my elementary school are predominantly low-income and experience a plethora of issues just at home that they bring to school. Some of my students have more direct issues such as abuse, but I am also working with a younger student who is behind developmentally and it is likely due to some form of neglect at home. These experiences are really upsetting because as practitioners we recognize the importance of early intervention and know that there are cutoff points where students cannot get back to grade-level.
The way I work through this is by talking about it to my peers and supervisor. I also may talk about it to a close friend. After talking about it, I feel myself start to let it go and it does not bother me as much. As counterintuitive as it sounds given this profession, it is often necessary to detach your professional life from your personal life to stay mentally healthy.
The way I work through this is by talking about it to my peers and supervisor. I also may talk about it to a close friend. After talking about it, I feel myself start to let it go and it does not bother me as much. As counterintuitive as it sounds given this profession, it is often necessary to detach your professional life from your personal life to stay mentally healthy.
M. Sanches
Psychiatrist
6
Answers
United States
Updated
M.’s Answer
Hello,
Most psychiatrists learn how to cope with the potential stress related to the encounters with patients, preventing it from affecting their own mental health and personal lives. There are exceptions, of course, and those who are not able to deal with it on their own may seek the help of a counselor. Very rarely, they might decide to switch to a different specialty that would be less emotionally demanding.
Most psychiatrists learn how to cope with the potential stress related to the encounters with patients, preventing it from affecting their own mental health and personal lives. There are exceptions, of course, and those who are not able to deal with it on their own may seek the help of a counselor. Very rarely, they might decide to switch to a different specialty that would be less emotionally demanding.
Dan Nguyen, DO
Psychiatrist
104
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Dan’s Answer
You will have to develop a barrier between yourself and your job. This is easier said than done as those that are in medical school tend to be extremely focused on the task at hand -- giving your all essentially over and over and over again. This common mindset can earn you the grades and knowledge to progress and exceed but it will eventually take a toll on your emotional health. You will have to force yourself to essentially be human and do something outside of work and academics, at times you'll have to force yourself to hang out with your friends or force yourself to put the textbook down and go for a walk.
Good question.
Good question.
Rachel Weinheimer
Surgeon
1121
Answers
Amarillo, Texas
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
I know some very good psychiatrists, and of course there is a heavy emotional burden that comes with their job. Many of them meet with a counselor on a regular basis to unload some of the more stressful or traumatizing issues that they are dealing with in their practice. I think that this allows them to be more empathetic and avoid burnout.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Thomas,
Response:
Within the realms of psychiatry and clinical psychology, practitioners often face challenging scenarios that may leave them shouldering emotional burdens from their patients. This occurrence, known as countertransference, is when therapists absorb or feel the emotions, difficulties, or traumas of their patients. Managing this emotional load is vital for mental health practitioners to safeguard their well-being and deliver effective care to their patients.
Strategies for Psychiatrists to Manage Emotional Overload from Patients:
Mentoring and Consultation: Psychiatrists and psychologists frequently participate in regular mentoring sessions with experienced colleagues or consultants. These meetings offer a secure environment to discuss difficult cases, process feelings, and gain understanding on handling countertransference.
Personal Counseling: A significant number of mental health practitioners undertake their counseling to tackle any unresolved issues that their work with patients may provoke. Personal counseling aids them in fostering self-awareness, emotional resilience, and coping mechanisms.
Self-Care Rituals: Adopting self-care rituals is crucial for psychiatrists to ward off burnout and handle the emotional strain of their work. This includes activities like physical exercise, mindfulness, pursuing hobbies, spending quality time with family and friends, and taking frequent breaks.
Setting Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries with patients is imperative to avoid emotional entanglement. Setting professional limits assists psychiatrists in maintaining objectivity and prevents them from becoming excessively involved in their patients’ lives.
Peer Support: Building connections with peers in the mental health sector through support groups or professional networks can offer a sense of belonging and comprehension. Peer support enables professionals to exchange experiences, seek guidance, and normalize the challenges they encounter.
Continual Education: Participating in regular education and training allows psychiatrists to stay informed about therapeutic methods, ethical standards, and self-care rituals. Constant learning promotes professional development and provides them with fresh tools to manage complex patient relationships.
Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: Adopting mindfulness techniques and self-reflective exercises can assist psychiatrists in processing their feelings, maintaining awareness of the present moment, and fostering empathy for themselves and their patients.
In summary, managing emotional overload from patients is a significant part of the work of psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. By adopting strategies such as mentoring, personal counseling, self-care rituals, setting boundaries, seeking peer support, continual education, mindfulness, and self-reflection, mental health practitioners can effectively handle countertransference and prioritize their well-being.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Formulating this Response:
American Psychological Association (APA)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Psychology Today
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Response:
Within the realms of psychiatry and clinical psychology, practitioners often face challenging scenarios that may leave them shouldering emotional burdens from their patients. This occurrence, known as countertransference, is when therapists absorb or feel the emotions, difficulties, or traumas of their patients. Managing this emotional load is vital for mental health practitioners to safeguard their well-being and deliver effective care to their patients.
Strategies for Psychiatrists to Manage Emotional Overload from Patients:
Mentoring and Consultation: Psychiatrists and psychologists frequently participate in regular mentoring sessions with experienced colleagues or consultants. These meetings offer a secure environment to discuss difficult cases, process feelings, and gain understanding on handling countertransference.
Personal Counseling: A significant number of mental health practitioners undertake their counseling to tackle any unresolved issues that their work with patients may provoke. Personal counseling aids them in fostering self-awareness, emotional resilience, and coping mechanisms.
Self-Care Rituals: Adopting self-care rituals is crucial for psychiatrists to ward off burnout and handle the emotional strain of their work. This includes activities like physical exercise, mindfulness, pursuing hobbies, spending quality time with family and friends, and taking frequent breaks.
Setting Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries with patients is imperative to avoid emotional entanglement. Setting professional limits assists psychiatrists in maintaining objectivity and prevents them from becoming excessively involved in their patients’ lives.
Peer Support: Building connections with peers in the mental health sector through support groups or professional networks can offer a sense of belonging and comprehension. Peer support enables professionals to exchange experiences, seek guidance, and normalize the challenges they encounter.
Continual Education: Participating in regular education and training allows psychiatrists to stay informed about therapeutic methods, ethical standards, and self-care rituals. Constant learning promotes professional development and provides them with fresh tools to manage complex patient relationships.
Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: Adopting mindfulness techniques and self-reflective exercises can assist psychiatrists in processing their feelings, maintaining awareness of the present moment, and fostering empathy for themselves and their patients.
In summary, managing emotional overload from patients is a significant part of the work of psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. By adopting strategies such as mentoring, personal counseling, self-care rituals, setting boundaries, seeking peer support, continual education, mindfulness, and self-reflection, mental health practitioners can effectively handle countertransference and prioritize their well-being.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Formulating this Response:
American Psychological Association (APA)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Psychology Today
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.