Lessons Learned
Hi, my name is Porsha. I am an SLP undergraduate. As an SLP, you can encounter some saddening or disheartening stories. What are some ways that you deal with the emotional stress of your profession? Do you have any “lessons learned” that you’ve encountered or experienced early in your career with any PWS? Thank you.
Hi Porsha,
You ask a very relevant question! Ours is certainly a profession that needs is to listen to stories of all kinds .. trials, triumph, frustration, and sadness.. Lessons learnt are too many to count, but yes, I do remember times when i heard stories that affected me emotionally as a beginning clinician. That is, I’m afraid, one of the early side effects of looking at and listening to the person beyond the stuttering.
What helped me stir into action again then? Just reminding myself of the difference between any empathetic and understanding listener, and a trained one, who can constructively use the content they’re listening to, to benefit the person who stutters. So basically I turned my momentary sadness into motivation to help this person move forward, towards being seen and heard. This was one of my experiences, I’m sure others will add theirs as well!
Pallavi
Hi Porsha!
Thank you for sharing your questions! To be honest, I still may be affected by stories told in clinical settings. One basic lesson learned for me, is to be open and honest about the emotional stress which I am experiencing. If it serves as the purpose, I might tell the person that his or her story is touching me in some sense. If I want the person to acknowledge his or her feelings, I may also acknowledge mine. If we give enough space for the emotions, which may include sadness, frustration, shame, anger, as well as joy and happiness, we are able to respond more flexibly towards our emotions. Emotions do have a purpose, and we can actively use our emotions clinically. Emotions may communicate, motivate and illuminate. Personally and professionally, I have found much support in the Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). If you find time or may be interested, I may recommend to find more information in the ACT literature, in which is dealing with emotions as allies.
Hi Porsha,
Pallavi is right! You ask a great question and I will add to those wise words. First, I think it is OK to feel sadness, stress, concern for your clients. It shows that you are a caring person who values connecting with and helping your client. Use your stress to motivate you to learn more, provide more support. Reflecting on your sadness will show the client that you have empathy for their situation. Say it out loud: “Wow, that makes me so sad to hear you struggled with that.” I had one mother tell me that she knew I was the right therapist for her child when she noticed my “eyes get teary” when he was telling me his story. We feel sadness because we value happiness. That said, excessive stress and sadness can impact our own mental health, so it is important to practice self care because our jobs can be stressful. Celebrate your own successes, be compassionate and patient with yourself. Knowing that these “big feelings”… as my little ones call it, let’s us know that we are loving people.
Keep reaching out and asking questions,
Rita