Expert: Levya Braman - 3/28/2011

Question
QUESTION: I recently took on a new job where I am using my skills in a clinical setting.  I teach Tai Chi and have been using many of the ancillary techniques and exercises as an alternative/integrative therapy.  Things have been going well.  However, I have one issue I am hoping you might be able to offer some suggestions on.  Many of the people I am working closely with are, understandably, highly negative.  Some of them have things such as Borderline Personality Disorder.  Consequently I find that I am extremely drained after a short time with one person.  I am trying to avoid burn out and I am wondering if there are any techniques, methods, thoughts, etc., that I can use to shield myself from this negative energy.  I’d like to stay at this for a while but if I can’t shield myself somehow I don’t see this as a path I can sustain for long, which would be a shame.  I look forward to any suggestions you might have.  Thank you and have a great day.  

Al

ANSWER: Hi Al -
I can offer some suggestions but think you may want to ask people who are in a similar position as yourself. Do you know any other Tai Chi teachers who do what you do in a clinical setting that you could talk to about this?

It sounds like therapy is not in your training or background. There are ways to work with disturbed individuals while still keeping your energy intact. People who go into therapeutic professions get some practice with it. But it sounds like you were caught off guard, not really expecting it to drain you as much as it is. Perhaps you could even talk with some of the therapists there and they could tell you how they do it.

My other comment is that you know within whether a work situation is right for you or not. Even if you did learn more about guarding or maintaining your energy while at work, your heart might still not be there; it just might not be the right work setting for you. Listen to that voice within. If this situation is too upsetting or draining, then I'd say you may want to pursue getting a job where you can practice your Tai Chi in a place that feels better to you.

I'm not sure if you were looking more for techniques? Again, the therapists there probably have some techniques that they use and would be happy to share with yoou. A few others would include:
* Visualization before working with clients (that you will maintain all your energy regardless of what happens in the session)
* Affirmations about maintaining your positive energy and letting all negative energy slide off of you like water.
* Choose not to get sucked into whatever drama or outbursts might take place
* Choose not to get too personally involved
* Do't take your work or cases home with you
* Make sure you have activities in your schedule (outside of work) that refresh and restore you
I wish you the best.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you.  
Yes, I was caught off guard.  This is not necessarily my skill set or area in which I have trained.  However, I was told that I have handled the situation well.  It seems that there was one person in the setting that was also very adversely impacting the other patients.  It was decided that this individual, after a number of weeks, did not fit into the program well.  This individual was pulling the energy of the patients down and was also becoming antagonistic to the clinic psychologist and the entire relationship became toxic and was no longer working.  It was unfortunate and the psychologist worked very hard to bring this patient into the program but nothing seemed successful.  It was told to me that I needed to distance myself and to make sure I have enjoyable activities that I engage in to maintain myself and many of the things you suggested :-).  So I appreciate your suggestions very much.  Actually, the last week or so has been very good.  Both because I am using these tools and, although I hate to say it, the patient that was bringing so much negativity to the clinic is not here now.  I would have liked to have seen them benefit from the program but my understanding is that not all patients are going to "buy in" and benefit.  Thank you again!  I appreciate your answers!

Answer
Al -
It sounds like you were picking up on the energy of this person quite accurately and that you weren't the only one who felt that individual was difficult and draining. Your intuition about this person was right on.
Glad you had a good week last week and that some of the suggestions were helpful :)What you have to offer patients is a gift. Remember that to keep giving healing waters to others you need to be diligent to make sure your well is full (taking care of your emotional self).