If you're a counselor (or in a similar position) how do you handle truly sickening news?

Question

Emotionally. How do you keep from reacting emotionally inside when it's something really bad?

Answer 1

I don't think the problem is handeling or not handeling the emotions on the inside.It is more important to not over-react when hearing about awful situations.I could tell you that I keep work at work, but the truth is I have yet been able to master the ability to leave work at the office. I try to become an advocate for the clients I deal with and show empathy at the same time. Does it affect me? yes. But it is a wonderful experience when you see that someone has made progress in an area that held them captive for a long period of time.Sometimes I do become emotional. But I have to pick myself up by the boot staps and move on in order to help the person in need. I don't think it is possible to work in this field and not be emotional at times. But I think it is okay to show emotion and may help others feel open to express their feelings as well.

Answer 2

It's impossible to make yourself stop feeling. You have to keep it in and remain outwardly neutral until you're in private of course. Now you know why so many counselors get burned out. A person can only tolerate seeing so much pain, tragedy and suffering, including a counselor. You also have to have good boundaries and remind yourself that you can offer assistance, but you cannot fix anyone's problems or rescue anyone from their situations. You can only offer them tools to do it themselves. Personally, I think counseling sucks. I do it on a volunteer basis now from time to time, but even so, I usually feel like I'd be more productive eating dirt.