By Dr. Vangie Akridge
Licensed Educational Psychologist
Metro Educational Consulting and Psychological Services
The term wounded healer was initially presented by the renowned psychiatrist and psychotherapist Carl Jung. The title was used to capture his theory that most individuals that serve as counselors or psychotherapists and are in positions to facilitate the healing of others are wounded themselves. Research has shown that 73.9% of counselors and psychotherapists have experienced one or more hurtful experiences that lead to their career choice.
Being actively engaged in various activities, I have come to notice that this phenomena definitely has some relevance in our community. It appears that most folks that are dynamically involved in helping, be it via providing social services, counseling services, educational services, community activism, and/or promotion of noteworthy themes or messages and even parenting, have themselves endured some level of pain and loss. The discomfort that local helping professionals have endured have resulted in action that involves supporting the healing process of others.
This observation is concerning and leads me to ask the community “Can an emotionally wounded soul effectively help someone in crisis?” When traveling on an airplane, the stewardess makes certain that the passenger must first secure their mask prior to even attempting to assist someone else. While licensed professional helpers typically have some level of supervision and counseling embedded in their educational programs, but how many of them continue to engage in personal counseling services after they complete school. Additionally, there is no such requirement for our community foot soldiers that are on the front lines and in the trenches. As days, months, years and even decades go by and the stories of strife, despair and scorn accumulate in the beings our community helpers, where do our helpers go to purge, to emotionally download?
The need for mental health and emotional wellness services are equally important for the helper as they are for the helpee. We should all strive to take care of ourselves so that we can effectively take care of others. While church and religion is a go to resource for spiritual healing, seeking opportunities to verbally process our unique circumstances should be communally mandatory for those in leadership and helping positions.
In gist, take care of you, so that you can take care of them.
