Sunday, March 11, 2012

Healthy Boundaries = Healthier Counselor

Hi Everyone!

One of the greatest challenges working with kids is that of maintaining healthy therapeutic boundaries. 
 
However, when we become overwhelmed by kid's trauma and/or grief issues, or we're beginning to burnout, we may cross  those boundaries which seperate our lives from our student's. It's dangerous and unhealthy place to be when we've moved onto their "dance floor".

During recent presentations at the South Western Alberta Teacher's Convention, and the Greater Edmonton Teacher's Convention, I had a number of questions regarding strategies pertaining to boundaries.

There's an online course that I highly recommend to counselors concerned about their health, and preventing burnout. "Maintaining Therapeutic Boundaries" is a fast and comprehensive course with clear, relevant information for professionals. 

Elizabeth Cauton's practical strategies guided me as I developed healthier boundaries in my profession and personal relationships. Changes are, that if I had implemented those changes earlier in my career, I may not have burned out.

Although Elizabeth's course uses a health care provider perspective, the material is EASILY tranferrable to educators and counselors. Here's a description of her course:
  • Maintaining Therapeutic Boundaries

    March 25

    When we cross therapeutic boundaries with patients/families we risk losing our balance and our professional perspective. We will explore the ‘family dance’, learn how to know when you have crossed onto someone else’s ‘dance floor’, discuss the heaven and hell of team, and identify strategies to become better at maintaining therapeutic boundaries.

    Course Objectives

    At the end of this course, learners will be able to:
    • Identify and distinguish differences between the roles of family and formal caregivers.
    • Explain the meaning of “The Family Dance” in terms of therapeutic boundaries.
    • Demonstrate understanding of the negative effects of crossing therapeutic boundaries on caregivers, patients and family.
    • Develop strategies for maintaining therapeutic boundaries, based on the knowledge of “The Dance.”
    • Explain the dynamics of working in a team and describe the impact of working with a caregiver that has “become like family.”
 So, if you have difficulty describing a healthy boundary between counselor and student, or you're struggling to maintain those boundaries, may I suggest that you consider taking Elizabeth's course? It may just help you prevent burnout, and any number of other difficult situations.

To register for Elizabeth's course, go to www.ldmonline.ca and follow the links.

The class begins on MARCH 25.


IN the meantime, take care of YOU.

Wendy