You’ve got a tough job.
You take care of a lot of people. You hear lot a of problems. You hold them for your clients, support them, challenge them, then go home and try not to let them weigh on you.
It’s not easy.
You want to be a good therapist, to be there for your clients, but you also need to make sure you’ve got it together yourself. Who takes care of the caregivers?
You need some support for yourself too.
Therapists are Human Beings Too
As a therapist, you’re faced with all kinds of occupational hazards. Burnout, vicarious trauma, impostor syndrome. We totally get it. We’re therapists too. And we’re not ashamed to admit that sometimes we need help with our own stuff. Who doesn’t?
We put so much of ourselves into our work. Sometimes it’s pretty thankless (mandated clients, anyone?). Sometimes it’s so painful (childhood trauma survivors?). Sometimes it just gets to be too much. You feel like you can’t go on.
Maybe you wonder whether you’re making a difference to anyone anyway. Maybe you wonder if everyone’s figured out you’re a fraud! (You probably aren’t, but it’s so normal to go through that!)
Being a therapist doesn’t mean being a superhero. It doesn’t mean going it alone or never needing your own help and support. (You are probably aware that some schools of therapy even require practitioners to be or have been in their own therapy.)
If therapy is good for your clients, it’s good for you too.
You Have a Lot to Offer
Maybe you became a therapist because you’ve been through tough times yourself. Trauma survivors make great therapists for trauma survivors (though triggering your own sensitivities can be a hazard to grapple with). Folks in addiction recovery have a lot to offer people who are struggling with addiction themselves.
But you have to keep your own house in order. There’s no shame in keeping up your own work at the same time as you help others. Just the opposite – as you have probably told your own clients, seeking help is a sign of strength and courage.
Then again, maybe you need help with something entirely different than your own specialty. You can be an expert in EMDR and also need some help in your adoption journey. You can be a killer family therapist who’s struggling with an anger problem. As human beings, we are also afflicted by depression, anxiety, and any number of other mental health issues.
And we also have personal relationships! You may know your stuff when it comes to play therapy, but does that mean you don’t have marital struggles? You may treat OCD really well yet still struggle with your impossible in-laws! (Therapists often make great clients in couples counseling and family therapy because they know growth takes work!)
Take Your Mental Health Seriously
If you’re struggling to be the best you can be in your work, in your relationships, in your life – please take care of yourself. Reach out today and get yourself your own therapist who can help you be the best you can be – for yourself, for your clients, and for everyone else who wants and needs you to be healthy and happy too.
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Our Testimonials
Raffi made me enjoy going to therapy. I have learned to talk through issues that seemed impossible and I feel so much better about the communication in my relationship now.
Tyson V.
Highly professional but down to earth. Both my husband and I felt completely understood and valued; something couples often fear simply cannot be achieved. I’m sure we’ll return we need a “tune-up”!
TA
I will always be grateful to Raffi for helping me through a very challenging time in my life. Within a few minutes of our first meeting, I was comfortable talking to him. I would highly recommend Raffi to anyone.
Andrew K. Stein
I met Caitlin about a year and a half ago. I automatically felt comfortable with her. She has a warm disposition and so friendly. She really made an effort to get to know me.
Chavi Shpilsky
Raffi is insightful, intuitive, experienced, and has a sense of humor. I would recommend Raffi to a friend or relative without qualm.
Channah C.
Caitlin is very professional–I found her organized, attentive and thorough. She made herself available when I had to reschedule sessions and she would follow up with me on her own time if she knew I was going through a challenging experience. She is one of the most top-quality people I have ever met.
Amanda Rosner
In such a short time, you worked wonders! One or both of us may return in the future but please know we’re both indebted to you. We’re back to cherishing our time with one another and back to looking forward to a long life as husband and wife.
Lisa & Tim
Raffi is extremely intelligent, insightful, trustworthy and pragmatic. I recommend Raffi without hesitation or reservation. He has a serious goal-focus balanced with a great sense of humor. Raffi is a tremendous, vital person to turn to.
Chanan Siris
I’ve known the people behind the Baltimore Therapy Center for over six years. I’ve found them to be kind, honest, and truly cared about what’s best for me. I’d come in just to visit if I lived nearby.
Yakov Okshtein
Raffi is a great person to help you get through your challenges in life. He is attentive, listens, and genuinely cares about his patients. Since I have been going to see him I have become less stressed.
COA
Raffi was very welcoming and easy to talk to. My boyfriend and I saw him for several months and found that he was able to relate to each of us and help us to work together. I would definitely recommend him to any of my friends or family
Rachel
Raffi was extremely helpful. I can’t believe how many problems he helped me solve – even ones that l have been dealing with for years!
Dan
I’ve worked with Raffi for six years, and from the beginning, he’s been VERY understanding of my unique situation and has been unbelievable helpful in guiding me to where I’ve gotten to, going above and beyond any expectations I had. I honestly can’t thank him enough.
YO
Raffi is so easy to talk to. He makes you see things clearly. Almost immediately I was able to change things that were bothering me. He keeps conversations light and sometimes funny. He’s a great guy and I recommend him to EVERYONE!
JMP
Raffi Bilek is a phenomenal resource. He provides meaningful feedback and direction that clearly reflects my unique situation. His comments are wise, productive, and well thought-out. His humor also helps me feel comfortable and makes him relatable.
Jeremy R.
Thank you so much for all of your help and guidance, especially tonight. Both my wife and I were impressed and grateful for your willingness to work with us despite running a significant amount of time over. You are genuine in your demeanor and sincere with your advice.
John S.
I cannot speak highly enough of Raffi. In just a couple of sessions, Raffi has already began to successfully impact our marriage. Both my wife and I continue to be impressed with him and our progress each week.
Mark M.
Caitlin has been a mentor and guiding force for me over the past 10 years. Despite her very busy schedule, she has always made herself available to help when needed. Caitlin is a very genuine, very caring person, and has a tremendous amount to offer her clients.
Naomi S.
I am so thankful to have found Raffi. I feel so comfortable and confident when speaking with him. From small issues to major life decisions I have benefitted from his warmth and genuine care. I can assure you that Raffi will be an invaluable asset to your life.
Danielle Kippur
Raffi is a wonderful therapist. He’s understanding, warm, and thoughtful. He does not shy away from difficult or sensitive topics. I highly recommend his practice.
Kim Wise
My boyfriend and I see Raffi and it was the best decision we ever made. It is hard to gather the right words to describe him and how much he has helped us and our relationship.
Summer H.
Raffi, was professional, insightful, and helped us.
Harry S.
Caitlin is so special. She is an excellent listener and offers valuable and practical advice for improving life circumstances. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to grow and improve their life situation. Thank you!