Empathy and Human Services: a quick discussion
Dr. McKnight:
“When we can be aware of our own emotions and those of others, we are really demonstrating our emotional intelligence. I think that most of us in the human service field have empathy…without it I don’t feel the job would be very appropriate for us”
Me: Response
You mentioned that most individuals in the human service field have empathy, and I would have to agree completely. It really takes someone rich in compassion, humility, empathy, and emotional intelligence to work in health care, especially mental health. It is fairly obvious when someone takes on a job in human services and is in it for the wrong reasons, and generally they do not stay there very long (whether that be by choice or by being fired).
I saw this the most when people were asked to help at the last-minute right before a break, lunch time, or at the end of the day, which most would agree that it can be frustrating, putting it mildly. The individuals who are there for the wrong reasons might have attitude about it, or verbally express their displeasure, without taking the patient’s feelings or co-workers feelings into consideration. Those who are there for the right reasons recognize that, although they don’t want to miss a break or get off work late, their patients are still there and likely feeling the same way. As empathic helpers we find joy in serving others, even when it might be uncomfortable or irritating, because we are doing it for them, not us.
When we focus our attention back on the patient we are reminded why we are there in the first place, to love, honor, and encourage those divinely sent to receive our care (even if that’s letting an elderly woman squeeze your cheek because it makes her laugh, or giving a reassuring smile to the woman in line at the grocery store whose kids is having a meltdown).
Many Blessings with Love & Light
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My name is Skye, I specialize in Trauma Informed Life Coaching and Counseling, with a holistic and integrative approach to healthcare services and therapy by focusing on the unity of mind, body, and spirit, through meditation, mindfulness, emotion regulation, Reiki, ThetaHealing, and holistic essential oil remedies.
I am a wife and mom to 2 great kids. I hold a BS in Social Psychology with emphasis in Clinical and Abnormal Psychology, a MS in Psychology with emphasis in Life Coaching, and a Post-Master of Science in Counseling with emphasis in Trauma Recovery. In 2017 I became a small business owner of Love and Light Therapy, LLC.
I love seeing the beauty of life in even the smallest of things. The sunshine, rippling waters, fragrant flowers, and cool sea breeze keep me grounded and alive. I love painting and reading, being outdoors and laughter. I choose to continue my educational pursuits so that I may share the knowledge and healing that comes with the merging of academia and experience. I live in Happy Valley, Oregon, just outside of Portland.
I dream of one day opening an outdoor camp facility for adults and children struggling with PTSD and CPTSD due to highly traumatic experiences. Encompassing one on one therapy, therapeutic group activities like music, art, caring for support animals, and outdoor therapy which will help clients recenter and ground themselves. There have been many studies that discuss the therapeutic value and personal growth that occurs when distressed individuals can reconnect with themselves through nature. In addition to this, I will also provide skills training through dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapy (DBT and CBT) so that they are able to re enter their life prepared to overcome the triggers that bring the trauma back to the forefront of the mind and body.
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