The Hidden Costs of Empathic Healing
A psychologist’s case of burnout: A PhD psychologist, she knew the implications of countertransference and maintained impeccable personal and professional boundaries. Yet she was burning out. This was at a critical juncture in her professional life. Burnout is common among healing professionals: bodyworkers, fitness and yoga instructors, Reiki Masters, spiritual counselors, tattoo artists. Because practitioners assist, support, advocate, advise and guide, they are often awash in their clients’ emotions.