She Strengthens

The Uncharted Territory of Being a Therapist During a Pandemic

As mental health professionals, we never expected to face a global crisis of this magnitude. The pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges, forcing us to navigate uncharted territory.

The Learning Curve of a Lifetime

The past year has been a steep learning curve, filled with grief, loss, trauma, and uncertainty. As an essential worker, I felt a deep sense of gratitude towards those who were working tirelessly to keep our communities afloat. But it wasn’t until a few months into the lockdown that I realized I was part of that essential workforce.

The Shift to Virtual Therapy

My agency, which contracts with local schools, had to adapt to a virtual capacity overnight. This meant relearning how to be a therapist in a completely new environment. I’m not alone in this experience; therapists in private practice and other settings have faced their own unique challenges.

Practicing What We Preach

As helpers, it’s easy to forget to help ourselves. But during this pandemic, we’ve had to take our own advice seriously. I’ve had to prioritize rest, practice radical acceptance, and engage in healthy compartmentalization to cope with the daily stresses of the job.

The Importance of Support Systems

Having a solid support system has been crucial to maintaining my well-being. This includes friends, family, coworkers, and even online communities of therapists who have come together to share resources and support one another.

Telehealth: A Mixed Bag

While telehealth has its advantages, I believe that therapy is not the same virtually as it is in-person. It requires more creativity and energy from both therapist and client. However, I’ve learned new skills and honed in on the important ones to make it work.

New Challenges, New Solutions

Remote work has brought its own set of physical discomforts, from back pain to eye strain. But I’ve learned to accept these challenges and invest in solutions, like a new desk and chair, to make remote work more sustainable.

Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty

As we continue to navigate this pandemic, I’ve come to realize that resilience is not just about bouncing back, but also about learning to lean into discomfort and adapt to new routines and systems.

A Final Word of Gratitude

To my fellow therapists, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your dedication to our work, for normalizing rest and self-care, and for paving the way for a much-needed conversation about mental health. We may be worn out, but we’re still standing, and that’s something to be proud of.