ABSTRACT

Mental health professionals and others who work with kids have a special interest in selfcare. In every field from surgery to farming, it’s important to keep the tools and equipment in good working order. For those who work with kids, our person is the primary tool. We use ourselves to form therapeutic relationships and to provide understanding, emotional support, and guidance. We use ourselves to bear witness, to share the burden of the child’s pain. It is essential to keep this tool-ourselves-in good condition. If we can’t handle it, how can we help the kids to do so?