The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. We lived through one of the most polarized elections in the history of our country. No matter what side you are on, certainly you were feeling some level of stress and tension as we awaited results. For therapists, this stress is heightened. Not only are we carrying our own concerns and anxiety about what is going on politically, but we are supporting and holding space for our clients whom also have their own concerns. Most of my clients rarely bring up politics, but this past week politics was a central topic in nearly all of my sessions. I can only guess all of my fellow mental health professionals have had similar experiences.
So how do we navigate this sensitive topic as practitioners? It's a topic that can be triggering for clients and therapists alike, however we have a responsibility to be unbiased and supportive of our clients regardless of differences of opinion that may exist.
1. Remember your ethics.
Our ethics and principles (in both Social Work and Mental Health) should guide our behavior as clinicians. When the lines become blurred during difficult times, such as the ones we have encountered in recent history, refer back to your Code of Ethics. We are human. We will slip, we will be triggered, we will get emotional. When that happens practice some self-compassion, remind yourself that you're human, and dive back into that Code of Ethics in order to get yourself back on track.
2. Tap into empathy.
Empathy is a special quality that we embody. Sometimes we take it for granted but seriously, not everyone is capable of being as empathetic as we are. When working with a client who has opposing political views to yours, remember to tap into that empathy. It's easy to see red as humans when our views and values are seemingly challenged, however we have the special gift of being able to flip the switch on that and redirect that energy to empathy. Individuals develop political views not just based on their personal values, but also based on personal experience, past trauma, intergenerational trauma, etc. Remembering this is helpful in transforming frustration into empathy.
3. Use your discretion in sharing your own opinions.
I have to be honest here, and perhaps this is just my personal experience. I have found that there is rarely value to sharing my opposing views with a client. However, I always revert back to the golden question: "Is there value, clinically-speaking, to me sharing this information?" If there is not, don't share it. Check your intentions prior to sharing any information, as we would with any self-disclosure in the therapy room.
4. Talk to your supervisor or therapist if you are feeling burnt out.
Are you feeling completely saturated by politics? The radio, social media, news networks constantly flooding you with political content is exhausting for any human. Now it's a daily topic in therapy sessions too. Having to transcend and continue to provide services through this can be difficult and can lead to burnout. It can put stress on the therapeutic relationship, among other harmful effects. Talk your feelings about this topic out with your supervisor or in your own personal therapy sessions (THERAPISTS SEE THERAPISTS!).
5. TAKE A BREAK.
It has been a difficult time in our country. As empaths, this can affect us more negatively than it may the average person because we have a tendency to carry the emotional weight of others' experiences and adversity. You may need to take a break. For me personally, I felt an extra weight on Election Day last week. I spoke about this with my supervisor and my therapist. As a relatively new therapist, I still struggle to find the balance between accommodating my clients and taking care of my own needs. I didn't feel comfortable rescheduling clients, so I worked through it, in spite of feeling very emotionally heavy. I felt defeated on my way home. I should have taken the day off. AND YOU SHOULD TOO! If you are feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, emotionally heavy because of some of the very serious things that are happening in our world, it's okay to take one night off and take care of yourself. Ultimately, you will provide your clients a better experience if you reschedule them for another day when you are feeling better. We need to let go of the guilt and take care of ourselves sometimes. You know that famous saying "Can't pour from an empty cup." Indeed, I'm sure many of us have identified with that this past week.
As we continue to navigate a tumultuous time in our country's history, be kind to yourself, be kind to others, and remember how important the work you are doing is.
Your hustler,
Karina G.
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