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The Power of Small Wins in Trauma Recovery: Insights from Amy L. with Jen on Therapist Sanctuary

Writer's picture: Jennifer WestcottJennifer Westcott

In the world of therapy, burnout, stress, and trauma are often seen as challenges faced by clients, but therapists themselves are not immune to these pressures. The emotional toll of helping others navigate their darkest moments can leave therapists feeling drained, overwhelmed, and disconnected from their sense of accomplishment. In the latest episode of "Between Candles," Amy L., an experienced professional in acute trauma crisis management, shares her unique perspective on the intricacies of helping individuals in their most vulnerable moments. In this blog, we explore a powerful conversation from the Between Candles podcast, where Jen and Amy L. discuss the impact of burnout and trauma in therapy.

Amy’s journey in British Columbia has been marked by a relentless commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those she serves. In this episode, Amy delves into the challenges, small victories, and the inevitable burnout that comes with her line of work.




The Subtle Power of Small Wins


Amy's approach to trauma therapy is refreshingly pragmatic. Rather than seeking grand transformations, she finds profound satisfaction in the small, often overlooked victories. "How do I even get groceries?" is a question that encapsulates the struggle many face when dealing with trauma and burnout. Helping someone accomplish a seemingly simple task, like grocery shopping, can be significant for Amy.

She explains, "And then anytime you're in trauma, then you kind of do this thing where it's like, 'How do I even do the normal things?' And that's not just trauma; that's burnout as well. So it's like, how do I do, what do, how do I do small, simple things?" These small victories might not happen every time, but they are profoundly impactful when they do. Amy's goal is to help people function in daily tasks that might seem trivial but are monumental in the context of trauma and burnout.


Burnout and Trauma in Therapy


Trauma and burnout are not just clients' experiences; therapists, too, grapple with these challenges. Amy discusses the societal misconception that significant change must come from monumental events. "Societally, it's like, it has to be a big, massive thing, like this massive thing has to have happened to you," she says. However, trauma is unique and affects everyone differently, including those who seem very together.

For therapists, the weight of their clients' trauma, coupled with their potential burnout, can be overwhelming. Amy acknowledges that this work isn't just about leading clients to breakthroughs and supporting them in small, everyday tasks. "I just really wanted to help people function in things that we would never even think you would need to function in. Like getting groceries. Like just small things even."


Gaining Experience and Coping with Burnout


Over time, therapists develop strategies to manage their burnout. Experience in the field helps them recognize the signs of burnout earlier and implement coping mechanisms to maintain their well-being. Amy’s reflections highlight the importance of self-care and professional support systems. By acknowledging their vulnerabilities and seeking help when needed, therapists can sustain their passion for helping others.

The reality of burnout in therapy is that therapists often feel the pressure to facilitate significant changes in their clients' lives. This pressure can lead to a sense of inadequacy if those changes are only sometimes visible. "It's like a feeling of relief," Amy describes, "because I think I don't think I'm the only one that sometimes gets hung up on that big bang part of, like, this person has to have the big win. Like they have to feel better. And if I can't help them do that, then I stink."

Amy's insights emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating small wins, both for clients and therapists. By shifting the focus from grand achievements to incremental progress, therapists can better support their clients while managing their burnout. This perspective fosters a more sustainable and compassionate approach to therapy, where the journey is valued just as much as the destination.


Conclusion


Amy's insights on trauma recovery emphasize the importance of small wins in the healing process. Her approach serves as a reminder that significant change often starts with the smallest steps and that therapists, too, must acknowledge their struggles with burnout. By focusing on the incremental victories, both clients and therapists can find a sense of accomplishment and progress on the path to recovery.


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