Therapy for Healthcare Workers in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Online therapy all throughout the states of IA, WA, & WI.
You have worked so hard to get here, but now you’re questioning your whole career
Still dealing with the impact of COVID?
Dreading your next shift?
Struggling with empathy?
Every day you care for others; and you deserve support so you can take care of yourself too. Book a free consult in Cedar Rapids!
100% confidential and separate from your work so you can get the help you need!
What you saw during COVID still haunts you and it continues to take a toll on you and your relationships.
The images of people hurting, in isolation, without their loved ones is still with you and you can’t sleep.
You keep telling yourself “I have to be able to handle it” or “I need to be over it already”.
The weight of experiencing so much loss, the sense of helplessness, the fear, coupled with the exhaustion of being overworked, shift work, all-nighters, etc. all of it, can lead to feeling like you need a career change.
I can help you find peace again and recover your passion!
What if I told you that you are not the only one feeling like this?
In my experience working with healthcare professionals, this is a common experience that only few talk about. In sessions, I work to address these challenges and support your well-being.
Taking care of yourself is also a way of taking care of your patients.
Remember to reach out and book your 15 minute free consult in Cedar Rapids to discuss ways in which I can help with what you may be looking for!
Why Therapy for Healthcare Professionals has to be different?
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Healthcare workers face unique and significant mental health challenges especially after the pandemic.
They witness immense suffering in patients and their family members including those from vulnerable populations like children, experience high-pressure situations and unexpected outcomes, have increased access to controlled substances, and often work long hours with demanding schedules and high expectations. This can lead to higher rates of burnout, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse.
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Witnessing death, injury, and suffering in their patients and their family members. Additionally, it has been found that witnessing vulnerable populations' (children, elderly, dependent adults) pain can have a higher impact on the provider.
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The emotional exhaustion that comes from persistently caring for others. This can also lead to providers feeling lack of meaning in their work as well as decreased levels of empathy for patients.
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Long hours, understaffing, and the pressure to provide optimal care can create significant stress. Additionally, providers may face toxic work environments as a consequence of power and privilege dynamics, and the frequent attrition that leads to a loss of community and connection.
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Healthcare workers may feel reluctant to seek help due to concerns about career impact or perceived weakness whether it is due to internalized expectations or external culture.
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On itself it already poses several challenges like the unpredictability in long-term schedule, difficulty to set up weekly sessions consistently and sticking to that schedule, having to cover for other peers, etc.
At this point in your career, you probably have already heard of Compassion Fatigue. This is the emotional and physical exhaustion experienced by individuals who work in helping professions, such as healthcare workers, social workers, and therapists. It results from the persistent exposure to the suffering and trauma of others. You can also follow this link to more information on the signs of Compassion Fatigue.
It's important to note that compassion fatigue is not the same as burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. While compassion fatigue can contribute to burnout, it is a distinct phenomenon that is specifically related to the emotional toll of helping others.
Signs of compassion fatigue can include:
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Feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or hopeless
Decreased empathy and compassion toward patients or peers
Irritability, anger, or cynicism
Sadness, anxiety, or depression
Emotional detachment or numbness
Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
Dreading going back to work on your next shift
Feeling like you never have enough time to restore
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Fatigue and exhaustion
Changes in appetite or weight
Headaches or other physical ailments
Increased susceptibility to illness
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Withdrawal from social activities
Isolation or self-medication
Decreased job satisfaction
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Neglect of self-care
Withdrawal from social circles and your support system
Remember, it's okay to not be okay. If you are struggling, please reach out for help. You are not alone. Again, feel free to schedule your 15 minute free consultation in Cedar Rapids!
If you are experiencing signs of compassion fatigue, it is important to seek help. There are many resources available to help you cope with the emotional demands of your work. Some helpful strategies include:
Self Care for Compassion Fatigue?
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Prioritize your physical and emotional health by getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and engaging in regular exercise.
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It's important to set limits on how much you take on and to learn to say no to requests that will overwhelm you.
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Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist about how you're feeling.
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Make sure to take regular breaks from your work to rest and recharge.
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Mindfulness techniques can help you to stay present and grounded in the moment.
I am a BIPOC and bicultural Trauma Therapist who serves adult trauma survivors in Cedar Rapids and through all across the states of Iowa, Washington and Wisconsin through online trauma therapy in both English and Spanish.
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I know that shopping for a therapist isn’t an easy process. I like to think about it as finding the right pair of jeans, so if you are inclined to think that we may be a good fit, I’m more than happy to have a conversation with you and answer some of your questions before booking an appointment.
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Free
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If you’re ready to set up an initial consultation and start working with me. Typically, this session is a little more formal since we will go over your history and background as well as policies related to our therapeutic relationship.
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It’s a one time $200 fee
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These sessions are reserved for those who have already completed an initial consultation and have established care within the last 6 months.
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$130 per session