Therapy for Caregivers
Support for the Helpers
Being a caregiver can bring a sense of purpose, meaning, and value to one's life. It feels good to be of service to others. However, being a caregiver can also lead to symptoms of stress, overwhelm, fatigue,
depression, and burnout.
Whether you are a caregiver by profession (therapist, nurse, teacher, personal support worker, etc.), by choice (caring for friends or loved ones), or perhaps not by choice (being the oldest or only sibling, limited access to resources and support, feeling a sense of obligation, duty, responsibility or pressure, etc.), being a caregiver has its challenges and struggles.
There is an on-going trend of caregivers who lack feeling a sense of power, control and balance in their lives. Caregivers also often struggle to practice self-care and manage complex opposing emotions, such as guilt and resentment. All of this can be overwhelming and can negatively impact a caregiver's sense of self, personal needs, and overall quality of life.
In my practice, I help caregivers recognize and minimize the barriers to self-care and work towards believing that self-care is not selfish, but rather an essential part of maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life.