A preliminary survey of counseling psychologists' personal experiences with depression and treatment.

Abstract

The fact that psychologists may not realize how much their own diagnosable emotional problems can impact their practices led to the undertaking of an exploratory survey of practicing psychologists in order to assess that notion. The results of a random sample of 1,000 psychologists indicate that women were more frequent respondents than men by a ratio of 3 to 2 and that depression (dysthymia) was the most frequently acknowledged diagnosis. Respondents felt that their emotional issues gave them more empathy for their clients; however, they also experienced an increased sense of isolation from their colleagues and lessened energy and ability to concentrate in their relationships with their clients. Recommendations are offered for self-care practices for psychologists.

Effects of graduate clinicians' personal therapy on therapeutic alliance

“…In sum, our fi ndings suggest that personal therapy can benefi t novice therapists in that it may lead to a greater understanding in the goals and tasks of, as well confi dence in, the treatment process that they themselves coordinate. Gilroy, Carroll and Murra (2002) have even gone so far as to proclaim that 'it is imperative that personal psychotherapy be mandated' for trainees. However, as noted by Forrest and Elman (2005), such edicts may pose a threat to the confi dentiality of the student if boundaries are not well maintained between the program and treating therapists.…”

Intern Self-Care: An Exploratory Study Into Strategy Use and Effectiveness.

“…Moderate to high levels of stress were observed in a sample of British clinical psychologists, and specifically, women and the less experienced, less socially supported participants reported greater psychological distress (Cushway & Tyler, 1996). Several theories have been proposed to account for the stress that helping professionals In addition to the occupational hazards they face, psychotherapists may lack adequate self-care practices that are critical to offset the effects of stress (Baker, 2003;Figley, 2002;Gilroy et al, 2002;Guy & Norcross, 1998;Skovholt, Grier, & Hanson, 2001). Among studies that have assessed practitioner selfcare, Mahoney (1997) found the most commonly used behaviors were reading for pleasure, exercising, taking vacations, having a hobby, supervising peers, and praying or meditating.…”

How Do “Mental Health Professionals” Who Are Also or Have Been “Mental Health Service Users” Construct Their Identities?

“…Studies using more traditional epistemologies have reported that professionals with service user experience encounter dilemmas (Berry, Hayward, & Chandler, 2011;Cain, 2000;Charlemagne-Odle, Harmon, & Maltby, 2014;Gilroy, Carroll, & Murra, 2001;Stanley, Manthrope, & White, 2007;van Erp, Hendriksen-Favier, & Boer, 2010). These include issues regarding self-disclosure, experiencing stigma, prejudice and discrimination, being accused of overidentification and boundary violation, having reduced energy, confidence and emotional presence, and a discrepancy between their personal identity and their professional role.…”