Clinicians must appreciate and acknowledge how hard clients work to make progress!

Clinicians must appreciate and acknowledge how hard clients work to make progress!
First of all, I would like to congratulate every client and therapist, who have found a connection and work well together to create positive change.
Being a clinician isn’t easy. Being a client most certainly isn’t a walk in the park either.
I remember when working at a psychiatric outpatient clinic a client with schizophrenia told his therapist “I walked through a sidewalk full of fire in order to get to my appointment”. This client had the courage to override symptoms and take a leap of faith that what he was perceiving was a product of his illness and not reality. We never know what people are going through. I believe that the best clinicians in the field have direct experience with the issues their clients have. Their lens through which they view and understand their client is much more empathetic. A clinician who has been in a client’s shoes is going to understand the clients struggles and needs much better – and as such can tailor services and interventions more effectively. On this note, if the clinician has gone through treatment for those issues and has successfully resolved those issues in treatment, this clinician will have much more personalized insight on how to illicit healing in their clients. In my belief it is true what they say – clinicians often pursue the healing field so as to learn how best to heal themselves, or heal/understand someone they love.
My story – I lost someone I love when we were barely teenagers to a mental illness. The onset of the illness changed her. When I was in college I pursued how to become a mental health treatment provider. I completed training, learned everything I could about healing and services. I made sure my internships were at a state level psychiatric hospital so I could learn about direct treatment, and the local DSS to learn about care management supports. I helped this loved one gain access to the psychiatric help and community resources she needed. We are now estranged due to the severity of this illness. The kicker – I had 2 beautiful children – but, during postpartum, I developed the same illness that my loved one had! I use the silver lining – I came to understand her better as a result of battling the same illness. I came to understand why she did what she did. I understood the symptoms. I also saw how misunderstood she was by loved ones who would blame her when really her illness was to blame. We must all have patience with each other in this world. Set good boundaries so you don’t burn out or get hurt. Every therapist needs to have their own therapist. Facilitating therapy is an art form. Make sure to find a clinician who reaches the inner depths of your soul because they know personally. If you find yourself training a clinician about your illness or needs it may be best to keep looking for a better fit – someone who sees through your defenses and isn’t afraid of what will come up. A good clinician is someone who is strong enough to hold you, your burden, and artfully facilitates and paces you through treatment.
Allah bless you all,

Camille Waldron, LMSW

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Camille Waldron

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