coping with own emotions

[lazure]

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Yesterday in my practicum, I had a conversation with a 9-year-old girl about who she wants to be when she grows up - she wants to work with animals. The trouble is that this girl will never be an adult - she is terminally ill despite her current good functioning....
I would like to start a discussion about strategies to cope with the heart breaking scenarios that we encounter as clinicians. I feel that this topic is only mentioned in passing in grad school....Any insights?

 

[EL CAPeeeTAN]

I think that you have to have a good outlet like a mentor or colleague that you can vent or discuss your real feellings / emotions, or even an activity that you can get into and clear your mind. Like a sport or music or excercise. It is important to remember that you are in many cases the best thing about some of your clients' lives and being strong and emotionally there for them will ultimately allow you to properly diagnose and do your job. It is easy to get caught up emotionally and perform poorly as a clinician. I think some clinicians miss the boat by being too clinical and detached so the don't get involved emotionally at all. If this is what the patient needs then have them see a robot. Medical doctors are great at being detached from their patients which is why so many patients view them as arrogant jerks. There is a happy middle road and if you discover it please let us all know.

 

[lazure]

I like the idea of peer supervision - I do that extensively and have been doing it from the beginning....another thing I like to do is set boundaries on my clinical work (e.g., no reports are written in my home) and on the way home from the hospital I sit on bus listening to loud lively music....
One of my profs also emphasized the importance of having one's own life and family - also a good protection against dual relationships....
Anyone else?

 

[winnie]

A few months ago a "group journal" was put in the phone room of the crisis line where I volunteer. At first I was kind of dubious, but it really helps to be able to share your thoughts and get feedback and encouragement from your peers. Also, because the journal never leaves the phone room you don't need to worry about confidentiality issues.

We also have regular supervisory meeting in small groups, which helps a lot.

Maybe you could mention that you'd like your training to address these issues more directly? It seems like a recipe for burnout if they aren't.

 

[TrinityGC]

I know I would greatly appreciate a forum such as the one you have proposed, I have been looking for something as such for a while now.