FOR HOLISTIC THERAPISTS & HEALERS
The wise saying "Healer cure thyself" is good advice for holistic therapists and healers. We advise our clients to reduce stress, listen to their bodies and take good care of themselves, unfortunately we all too often do not take our own excellent advice.
Physically
Our vocation can be physically challenging. Massage, in what ever form puts great demands on the therapist’s body, potentially causing danger to vulnerable hands, arms and shoulders.
Psychically and Emotionally
In some ways, the physical challenges are the easiest to handle. It is the psychic and emotional costs that may be the hardest to spot and the most difficult to deal with. Consciously or not, good healers absorb at least some part of their clients' pain and trauma. As with many therapists, healers can suffer from compassion fatigue and secondary PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) as a result of absorbing other people's pain.
Dealing with the problem first requires identifying the warning signs in yourself.
· Do you tire more easily?
· Does life seem less exciting and joyful?
· Do you find yourself being short with people?
· Are you experiencing changes in eating and sleeping habits?
· Does feedback from others suggest you may be burning out?
Best advice would be to arrange a healing session for yourself, at a time when you do not treat. Perhaps go for long walks, in beautiful surroundings... get back to nature, play with the children, get out and about with friends, enjoy a long bath, or even an early night with a good book.
Good advice .... Care... don't carry!
Burnout and Compassion fatigue are preventable - Don't wait for this to happen to you!
Why not check out our Healing for Healers treatment plan and full body system MOT.