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The National Council of Psychotherapists

is one of the longest established societies of its type in the United Kingdom, being formed in 1971 following the “Foster Report” on the statutory registration of psychotherapists.

I can still be surprised to discover how few therapists fail to practice self-hypnosis.  Therapists above all others should know the huge advantages of doing so.  The old saying about practising what you preach has never been more relevant. 

Lets face it.  As therapists we have a duty to look after ourselves.  Not only for our own good, but for the good of the people we come into contact with as well.  I have assisted many therapists who have run into difficulty because of their work.  In many cases this has involved burnout due to the fact that simple precautions were not observed. 

When a therapist fails to take steps to protect themselves when they are working with people, then they run the very real risk of taking other peoples problems on board.  It is all too easy for us to become the centre of our own small world due to the nature of our work.  As a result it is possible to miss or fail to recognise the warning signs that something may be amiss. 

In discussion with therapists who have come to me for assistance, many have stated that they knew that something was going awry, but they did not know what to do about it.  Unfortunately it is not just the victim of burnout who suffers.  A certain amount of strain is placed on their relationships, both personal and social.  Lets not forget also that uniquely in therapeutic circles there can be a very unsympathetic attitude towards therapists who become the victims of burnout.  I have heard the cutting remark more than once that obviously these people should not have been in practice in the first place.  Such is the stigma.  I think this has more to do with the wish to put them at a distance.  I wouldn't be surprised if this was due to an un-admitted fear that the same thing may one day happen to them. 

None of us are immune to burnout is we don't watch out for it.  The important thing is, how do we go about avoiding, or minimising problems for ourselves ?  Obviously prevention is better than the alternative. 

There are notable exceptions but in the main those therapists who have consulted me had never been advised of the following key points.  In order to function as a capable and effective therapist you must first of all have resolved any personal difficulties of your own.  There is nothing less desirable for a client than a therapist who became involved in the work for the wrong reasons.  The wrong reasons in this case being the belief that by helping others you don't have to worry about your own problems.  Of course this belief is held at an unconscious level, and this therapist will not be aware of what they are doing until they burn out.  And believe me, they will.  Usually very quickly. 

Once you have resolved your own problems, then you have a very strong emotional base to work from.  This is vital when it comes to offering support and comfort.  It will definitely put you in a better position to do a good job for your clients.  

The importance of this first point can't be overstated.

Copyright Michael O'Sullivan 2009 - all rights reserved

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