The Resilient Clinician during COVID-19
I am blessed to work with many excellent colleagues who challenge and inspire me. Today, one of them shared her copy of The Resilient Clinician by Robert J. Wicks with me. I wanted to share this book with you.
I think that it’s message is timely during this time of COVID-19.
Wicks writes,“The essence of this book is concerned with how we as clinicians care for and know ourselves so we continually have the “space” to offer others.”
I can speak for myself and share that this is a continuous journey for me. I learn my own limits and then learn them again and again. As I mature, I recognize that my my self care protocol continuously evolves. What worked when I was 20 or 40 is no longer sufficient. What works during COVID-19 is different from what worked in 2019.
So, I have to take the time for myself to learn what works best for me. Taking that time opens up space inside of me to be more present to my clients. Wicks challenges therapists to ask themselves the question “What do I need to put in place in my own life that will enable me to reap the most of having the privileged to participate in such a noble profession and, in turn, experience a more meaningful personal life in the process?” He stresses the risk of secondary trauma and fatigue if we do not put the time and effort into fueling ourselves.
The book includes several questionnaires that ask probing questions to help providers examine their practice and identify areas that need to be adjusted to improve their overall quality of practice and life.
So, I challenge therapists at all levels of experience to take the time to check in with themselves and make sure they have a strong and updated self care protocol in place during this time. Here are some examples of things that I have been doing to help stay grounded and open during COVID-19. I hope some of these ideas are helpful in getting you to thinking about taking care of yourselves.
Taking long walks in the woods to avoid the congestion of people in the neighborhoods
Spending quality time with my family and pets
Having deep conversations with my friends
Reading novels and listening to new music
Yoga and meditation
Planting seeds and watching them grow
Taking time to enjoy simple tasks like washing my car, cleaning out the fridge, and organizing the linen closet
Watching my neighbors out in their yards playing with their children
Being very mindful of how I use social media
Continuing peer supervision via Zoom
Creating collages and writing to process. I’ve included a copy of a collage that inspired me to write today.
Staying in touch with friends and family
Being very mindful about what I watch on screens
Paying attention to the impact sitting in front of a screen all day has on my body and trying to adjust my setting to protect myself from injuries.
Trying to be very thoughtful about taking on new responsibilities
Giving myself permission to work hours that are best for me and allowing my intern Bethany to help me
Allowing myself space to grieve
Daydreaming about what trips I would like to take in the future
Giving back to those who serve us in ways that I feel capable
Cooking and enjoying good food
Ordering food in on Fridays to keep my “date night” going
Getting outdoors as much as possible
Riding my bike
Feeling gratitude that I am able to still work and be of service during this time
This seems like a long list. Yet, I am still finding time to do these things while working extended hours. I think that I am finding I need to do these things. They remind me of all that life has to offer us. I need that richness and fullness right now to counter balance the fear and sense of “lack” that is in the air around us. These activities remind me that I have everything I need. They fill my cup. I hope that you find ways to fill yours too.