EVERYONE'S A THERAPIST

As a trained Social Worker-Therapist, it is always interesting how many people think they can do what I do. Speaking to, giving advice and knowing the right answer is not therapy. It is speaking and giving advice. In my current employment, there are many times when providing resources to a patient and/or family, there is minimal clinical depth. Other times there is a real therapeutic process occurring. Counselling is not just talking. It is a skill that comes with training, experience and continued learning. There are different theoretical bases, types of counselling and modes of intervention. Crisis counselling is different from relationship,adjustment and family counselling. Often issues are recognized but can not be addressed as a discharge is all that is being discussed. Trying to fix a family's dysfunction is not the problem of the team. Friends in social circles think they can counsel and fix their friends. Stay friends! Be a good friend but do not ever think you are a therapist! Even work colleagues think they should try to fix each other! As a therapist, my view is very clear- fix yourself first! Projecting your own issues on others, keeps the spotlight off you is a nice decoy! Be a good work colleague- kind and supportive! Remember not everyone is a therapist and does not have the same skill and professional boundaries needed to respect you and your issues. If you need a good therapist, ask your friendly Social Worker who can recommend one for you!