How I show up as a therapist with chronic illness
As a therapist with chronic conditions who works with clients who also experience chronic illness, there are many ways I show up authentically in sessions. This may look like modeling positive self-care, empathizing with experiences, problem-solving, and bringing my personal experiences to the table when it’s beneficial.
Scheduling
The first thing I do as a therapist with chronic illness is prioritize my own needs in how I establish my business and my schedule. In order to show up as my best therapist self, I have to take care of myself too. For me, this looks like working from home and providing telehealth most days. This gives me the flexibility to make time for self-care activities throughout the day, wearing comfy clothes, and being able to have fresh, homemade meals within my dietary needs. I look forward to my one in-person day each week and getting to be with others and in community on this day.
Another important aspect of my schedule is being really thoughtful about my energy. As someone who regularly experiences fatigue, scheduling too many sessions in a day often does not work for me. If I can’t show up with consistent energy for every client, it’s not good or sustainable for myself or for my clients. Therefore, I have mindfully created a schedule that allows me to maintain energy for each and every client, and ensure that I have energy left for myself at the end of the day. Additionally, I have one weekday off from clinical work each week (Fridays) which allows me to rest, get household tasks done, schedule doctor’s appointments, and make time for self-care (going to the gym, getting my nails done, reading, stretching, going to my favorite coffee shop for a matcha).
Boundaries
Boundaries are beneficial in so many ways. As a therapist with chronic illness, boundaries are huge! One way I create boundaries is with my schedule: I try not to over-schedule myself or work outside of my work hours. This can be really difficult, because it often means having to say no to people. I also hold boundaries within my sessions, in the sense of really compartmentalizing my own needs. There are some days where I may be experiencing some pain, discomfort, fatigue, or even wondering/worrying about my symptoms. Boundaries and compartmentalization allow me to put these things aside and contain them so that I can show up fully for clients that day, no matter what I’m experiencing outside of work.
Check-ins & sick days
I regularly check-in with myself and my body, and I really value knowing myself. If I wake up with a flare, migraine, etc. and recognize that my needs are too much that I cannot compartmentalize that day, I need to take a step back. I cannot sit with clients and be the support they need and deserve if I’m too distracted by my own stuff. These are days where I may cancel/reschedule sessions, or if in-person I might move sessions to virtual. My clients know that these days are rare and I only make last-minute changes if I absolutely have to. Therapists get sick too, and we have to be able to take sick days!
Empathy & understanding
The best way I show up as a therapist with chronic illness is my truly authentic understanding of my clients in their own chronic health conditions. I know what it feels like to struggle with an unfair medical system, work hard to get answers from doctors, and constantly advocate for your own needs. My own experiences with these things allow me to truly empathetize with and validate your feelings. Sometimes I may even have direct experience with the particular symptoms or questions you’re having and can help you find the right specialist or service to get more answers. Most importantly, I will be there to listen and understand your worries, fears, confusions, and all the other emotions that may come from your experiences with chronic illness.
If you’re looking to work with a therapist who truly gets it, I may be your gal! Contact me today to set up a consultation call or start the intake process. You can reach out here send me an email at elizabeth@findcreativepathways.com.
Elizabeth Allen, LCPAT, LGPC, ATR-BC
Creative Pathways Counseling LLC
