We all know counseling can be very taxing emotionally and mentally, which can lead to burnout. A major way to prevent burnout is by joining a peer support group. Although such groups may be difficult to find, and require an investment of time at regular meetings, they are very worthwhile.
As therapists, we know how important good relationships are. We spend a lot of our time teaching clients how to improve intimacy. We caution them against isolation. But we often don’t practice what we preach. Our work is isolating by definition, and we often don’t make the extra effort to counteract it by connecting with our peers.
You may belong to an online forum, or a Facebook group for support and information. Of course this can be beneficial, but due to the public nature of these online groups we cannot discuss the clinical details of our work. And how can we really get support unless we do that?
Peer support groups are different. Because they meet in person, and the number of members is limited, trust can be established. In addition, the private nature of the group allows for sharing of relevant clinical information required for both emotional support and case consultation.
But these groups are more than just case consultation and emotional processing. Nobody understands how doing therapy on a regular basis affects you than another therapist! Our jobs are so strange…we have sudden and intense one-sided intimacy with strangers who then disappear when they feel better. Not only that, but routinely we hear stories about the worst aspects of human behavior. Because much of our emotional energy has already been used on the clients we see, and because we can become jaded about human nature, we may neglect our personal relationships. Becoming part of a peer support group can help us stay connected to others outside of our work.
In addition to the clinical and emotional benefits, for those of us in private practice there are also business benefits. Members of peer support groups can compare notes on everything from marketing tips to which insurance companies to avoid. I know personally I have saved hours and hours of time by leveraging my colleague’s experiences with insurance companies.
I have been in my peer support group for about 7 years, and it really means a lot to me. I have received countless suggestions and ideas for treating clients when I have felt stuck. I have also received support when I have felt overwhelmed or emotionally drained or even just frustrated. I know that by participating in this group, I have been able to provide better quality service to my clients.
In my next post, I will discuss how to form a group.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barb LoFrisco
