Life of an Intern

[onesoul]

I'm sure you hear this all the time "self-care." In our program, we are bombarded with this phrase. I get it, truly I do. I know what it means in theory and in practice. But let's be honest... for anyone who is in grad school currently or has had the experience is bound to understand that "self-care" is rarely an option. I'm doing everything all-

Comments

[cocoanorris]

I wish I could fully relate to you and help you out. I've been working full time and in school full time as far back as I can remember. My way to give myself "breaks" is to actually take off work for part (or all) of the school breaks provided. A few days after finals, etc. Just to feel like I have breaks. I also don't study on Sundays. Just to fully give myself that whole "day of rest" concept and do whatever I feel I need to do. Nap, spend time with loved ones, etc. I tend to vent a lot in my journal too, sometimes private so only I can see it, but it makes me feel less stressed. Hope it helps a little.

[teach2think]

Hey - Just wanted to follow up. I mailed out the DVD's about two weeks ago. Did you get them yet?!?

[onesoul]

Gawd yes. I suck sorry. I should have totally said thank you thank you thank you. In return, I have the first 4 sessions of an inhome intervention. It is two therapist doing an 8 session intervention for a teen in trouble and it shows everything and how they do all of it. If you would be interested I'd be happy to send it to you. It may bore you to tears but then again it might be interesting.

Again, thank you thank you thank you, I'm hoping actually this weekend to watch it. :)

[teach2think]

*smile* I'm just glad to hear that you received it. I've had trouble with my mail.

Enjoy. And when you get the chance, let me know what you think :)

[conomo]

I can certainly feel your pain there. The one thing I've tried (again, like you said, it's hard as hell to do with a hectic schedule) is to forcibly schedule "me" time. Right now, it's my weekly volleyball league, where, for one hour, I think of nothing but volleyball. I'm committed to it because a) I pay for it and b) the scheduling is out of my hands, but it's something I really love to do.

I also found a Shambhala meditation center that has 1 hour meditation and 1 hour book discussion each week. That I've not made the full on commitment to, but the one time I went made a huge difference.

Sometimes, you just have to make a committment to making the time, however little it might be, and sticking to that. But I know how difficult it can be.

Self-care

[anonymous]

I can totally understand. I am also a full-time counseling graduate student and am doing my two internships simulaneously. It never seems like there are times for "just me" when I'm not at the clinic or at school. One thing that has really been helping me is that in my drive home every day, I turn off the radio, don't answer my cell phone, and try to spend those twenty minutes processing any hard sessions or clients that I have had that day. When I get out the car when I get home, then that's it. My time at home is mine. If I need to do research for a client, I go to the library. I have found that I need to make my home a safe haven from the world of people who come to people seeking help. I have also found an extreme value in doing things that I enjoy, even when I am wiped out. I enjoy exercising ( I may only have time for a short walk!), but it is so important to find a little time to take care of yourself! Good luck

[locus_ofcontrol]

Are you still active?

I've lurked on your journal for a while and would like to discuss your focus on Alternative lifestyles counselling...

Let me know if you are interested in starting a supportive dialogue.

[onesoul]

Yeah, I'm still here. I got really ill and so things slowed down for a bit. Please by all means feel free to talk, ask questions, bring up topics:)