I faced a classroom full of social work students.

I was invited to be a guest speaker at Limerick Institute of Technology's Social Care program at the end of my trip to Ireland and Scotland last month.

More than a year ago, through the magic of the internet, I was invited by Professor Jennifer Moran Stritch, who teaches in the program. Even though public speaking is a total challenge for me, I was thrilled to share on a topic that is very dear to me (thank you, Jennifer).

Below are highlights of what I shared with the amazing students to begin to take care of themselves as they begin careers helping others.

Say No 

As helpers, we like to help. This part of us can actually be the very thing that buries us with obligations that can fill every empty space on our calendars. It can also 1) make our eyes crossed with resentment because we have no time to ourselves, or 2) take up so much time that we don't have to deal with our own stuff. 

Sound familiar?

Saying no is a practice — not a perfect.

It may go against every fiber of your being to say no to someone who needs you, but it’s something you must learn how to practice, if staying on the frontlines over the long haul is what you want. And if you have trouble with saying no, I can help. 

Keep Learning

When I graduated from my master’s program and began to sit with clients in pain every day, I was shocked by how little I learned in my program about how to really help them. I began to feel helpless pretty quickly.

I decided to take matters into my own hands. I began to explore, research, and start learning different healing modalities. I became certified in EMDR, got a post-grad certificate in the effects of Child Abuse across the lifespan, attended art therapy conferences, became a Reiki Master and learned about the healing power of flower essences ... just to name a few. 

This went such a long way in helping me feel like actually could help my clients feel better.

Get Help 

If you find yourself burning out or in need of more support, get help. Being on the frontlines helping others is hard work. It can take a toll physically, emotionally, and energetically. If you feel a spark as you read this, follow it. Find peer consultation groups, paid clinical supervision, and clinicians who you trust. I also strongly suggest getting into therapy to help you process what comes up for you in being on the front lines.

Need help with any of these? Get in touch. Schedule a free to chat to talk about what’s happening for you and how I can help.