1 answer
Wilson
Student
Franklin, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
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In your role as a psychologist, what strategies do you use to maintain emotional boundaries and avoid bringing your patients’ concerns into your personal life?
I'm considering a career in the clinical psychology field and this question in particular has been heavy on my mind and in my heart. I'd appreciate any insight you can provide. Thanks
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1 answer
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1186
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Wilson,
It makes perfect sense that you are troubled by this question; genuinely caring is usually the first indication that you will act honestly in your line of work. Setting emotional boundaries is about making sure you can continue to make an impact without becoming burned out, not about being frigid. Most therapists gradually develop this muscle by combining internal discipline with routine activities. See it as building a high-performance operating model for your personal health.
In reality, this means that you never have to bear the emotional burden alone by using peer consultation and supervision as a "pressure-release valve." It additionally involves establishing clear shutdown routines to let your mind know that work is finished, such as writing following sessions, switching up your surroundings, or doing something grounding before going home.
To avoid emotional spillover, clinicians frequently use evidence-based techniques, including compartmentalization, cognitive reframing, and mindfulness. Maintaining a solid personal support network and engaging in activities that refill your energy outside of work are just as important.
The goal is to remain successful, present, and emotionally flexible rather than to distance oneself from clients. You're developing the proper mindset for long-term clinical psychology practice if you're already considering boundaries.
Best wishes!
It makes perfect sense that you are troubled by this question; genuinely caring is usually the first indication that you will act honestly in your line of work. Setting emotional boundaries is about making sure you can continue to make an impact without becoming burned out, not about being frigid. Most therapists gradually develop this muscle by combining internal discipline with routine activities. See it as building a high-performance operating model for your personal health.
In reality, this means that you never have to bear the emotional burden alone by using peer consultation and supervision as a "pressure-release valve." It additionally involves establishing clear shutdown routines to let your mind know that work is finished, such as writing following sessions, switching up your surroundings, or doing something grounding before going home.
To avoid emotional spillover, clinicians frequently use evidence-based techniques, including compartmentalization, cognitive reframing, and mindfulness. Maintaining a solid personal support network and engaging in activities that refill your energy outside of work are just as important.
The goal is to remain successful, present, and emotionally flexible rather than to distance oneself from clients. You're developing the proper mindset for long-term clinical psychology practice if you're already considering boundaries.
Best wishes!