Doc Warren

Counseling can be tough on a counselor. Long hours, ok pay at best and all the heartache, turmoil and aggravation that lead clients to partake in the work related to making long and lasting change. We do this because it is what we do; some argue it was what we were made to do. Actually, I am one that has often posited that very position when talking with new clinical track graduate students: you can learn the theory, you can study the skills but nothing can make you a good clinician, you either have “it” or you don’t. Of course, I cannot define “it,” your clients cannot define “it” either in most cases but they know if “it” is in you. They know how you make them feel; they know how you motivate them and that they want to come back week after week to work on the toughest topics.

I consider myself an easy going guy. I understand the need for paperwork and was taught by many a mentor that in our field if it is not documented then it did not happen. I even teach documentation to graduate students and others from time to time but I am astonished at the mountains of red tape that seem to be considered normal to some people and programs.

There are many times when a counselor has to step away from their personal beliefs and feelings in order to deal impartially with an issue, choice or decision that is contrary to everything that they believe in. Though I am typically able to do this with ease there are times when doing this is very difficult. Not long ago I found myself in just that type of situation when a client advised me that though they had a life changing medical condition that could be treated surgically; they were opting not to have the surgery due to concerns related to living with the long term results of treatment. The surgery was serious to be sure and far from what a typical surgeon would likely refer to as average or routine but it WOULD reportedly save my client’s life.

I feel the need to tell you about a recent surprise that to me really illustrates sharing positive energy to others. Now I know the term that I just used has many connotations; some of which are in the world of new age counseling. I won’t pretend that I am an expert in that area and will be clear that that is beyond my current knowledge base. But I do believe in Karma, the power of positive thought or just being a good person; whatever term you use is ok by me.

We are in this profession for a reason: we care. Maybe we care too much at times, although I am not sure that is possible so long as you stay within ethical codes and set good boundaries. My point is that as clinicians we do what we can to help others and that means that we have a tendency to be selfless at times. But at what point does this stop? At what point do we put ourselves first?