November: National Family Caregivers Month

November is National Family Caregivers Month. Taking on the challenges of becoming a caregiver is one of the most stressful life transitions that people can face. It is important for caregivers to take care of themselves as well as the the people in their care. 

Sponsored each year by the Caregiver Action Network (CAN), National Family Caregivers Month focuses on the challenges facing family caregivers. CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with special needs, to the families and friends of wounded soldiers; from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease. While some family caregivers provide 24/7 care for loved ones who require assistance for all daily living activities, others may provide care on a part-time basis. Family caregiving can extend for a few years or a lifetime.

If you or anyone you know is currently a caregiver, please visit the Caregiver Action Network website to learn more about National Family Caregiving Month and for additional resources and information for caregivers. Their Resources section is excellent, and I recommend spending some extra time looking over the Family Caregiver Toolbox section. Some of the topics in the Caregiver Toolbox include: Respite Care, Eldercare, Caregiver Depression, Support Groups, and Financial Planning.

Until my next post, take some time for yourself. Thanks for visiting!

Personal Relationships vs. Therapeutic Relationships

In my last post, I discussed how mental health maintenance was important for everyone. Counseling and therapy were identified as effective ways to develop or strengthen coping skills during stressful times. A few people who read that post mentioned to me that they understood that they should take time for themselves or self-evaluate to monitor whether they were overwhelmed or stressed. However, they didn’t understand the benefits of talking with a mental health professional if they have friends and family with whom they can discuss problems. 

While friends and family are a source of support, the manner in which support is offered in a professional therapeutic relationship is different. It is important to clarify that therapy and counseling are not intended to replace friendships or family, but rather to enhance these relationships. So, how is talking with a counselor, therapist, or psychologist different that talking with friends, family, or significant others?

• A counseling or therapeutic relationship is not reciprocal. The mental health professional’s job is to focus on a client’s concerns and offer support and encouragement. An appointment with a professional is a client’s time to focus on his or her issues without feeling obligated to focus on the issues or successes of the person with whom he or she is speaking. 

• The counselor is a trained professional who has spent many years learning about different ways to help clients cope with issues.

• The therapeutic relationship is confidential. While one certainly hopes that friends and family  will respect the privacy of loved ones, a therapist is ethically and legally bound by confidentiality. Unless a client is an immediate danger to themselves or others, conversations between a therapist and client will be private.

• The therapist exists outside of the normal flow of the client’s life, and therefore has the perspective of an outsider. Because of the nature of the therapeutic relationship, the therapist will not be angry, offended, or judge a client for statements made during a session.

While a therapist will never and should never replace a client’s supportive relationships with friends and family, it can be helpful to have an objective outsider who will be available for a set time and at a reliable location regularly to help with issues. Consider these benefits when weighing whether therapy or counseling might be an option for you or someone in your life.

Until my next post, spend time with your friends and family. Thanks for visiting!