I got to fess up! I have been sitting across from some amazing folks who are struggling with all sorts of psychological issues over the last couple of months. Some are abuse survivors while others are survivors of other types of trauma. It is a lot easier for me to walk beside others, seeing what might help, and providing support than it is to deal with my own crap.
I have been humbled by the courage of those I walk beside. However, I have been hit with the disconnect of me guiding them to well-being when I am still a work in progress. Well, let’s be honest. I think we are all works in progress and I hope I always am as I continue to learn and grow as a person, a survivor, and a clinician. But really, how can I sit there visibly overweight while I counsel others on getting active and healthy? It strikes me that there may be a huge credibility gap! Sure I can talk about how I understand their struggle but if I can’t follow my own advise how can I expect others to want to? Definitely time to walk the talk!
Ditto with regards to my mindfulness practice. I help others include various mindfulness practices (such as mediation and breathing work) into their daily lives because I know from first hand experience as well as from others’ experience that it works. But do I practice what I preach? You got it! Not nearly as much as I should. Walk the talk time!!!!!
So what do I do with a therapist who doesn’t walk the talk? Maybe I need you all to hold me accountable? Anyone got great strategies to stay on track?
Joanne
