Our Journeys as Therapists: a Talk with Cece Sykes
Aug 24, 2020
auto_awesome
Cece Sykes, a senior internal family systems trainer, discusses the impact of the pandemic on therapists and clients, challenges of adapting family traditions and online trainings, exploring personal and professional reflections on family trauma, therapists' growth through shared experiences, responsibility, self-care, and healing, therapist connection and transitioning in practice, and the importance of therapists' self-care and development.
Therapists must adapt to societal changes and navigate personal emotions amidst new training challenges.
Personal narratives and traumas shape therapists' professional journeys, emphasizing the need for self-exploration and reflection.
Deep dives
Impacts of the Pandemic and Losses on Therapists and Clients
The pandemic's ongoing challenges, including instability and isolation, affect therapists and clients alike. Traditional sources of support and stability, like family reunions, have been disrupted, leading to various losses. Therapists work to create connection and safety in online formats, facing increased responsibility and challenges. Amidst social justice upheaval, therapists must navigate strong emotions around injustice while adapting to new training formats.
Exploring Personal Narratives as a Therapist
Personal experiences can deeply influence therapists' professional paths. Cease Sykes shares a powerful personal story linking her mother's trauma history with her therapeutic focus on sexual abuse cases. This revelation sparked a profound realization about her chosen profession and highlighted the importance of therapists exploring their own stories and backgrounds.
The Therapist's Continuing Journey of Growth and Change
Therapists evolve over time, influenced by personal experiences, relationships, and life challenges. The work of a therapist involves navigating personal growth, managing life's uncertainties, and processing past wounds. Through self-exploration and ongoing development, therapists transform and adapt, impacting their approaches in the therapeutic setting.
Coping Strategies for Therapist Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
Therapists grapple with burnout and compassion fatigue from intense client stories and emotional labor. Cease Sykes emphasizes the importance of seeking support, not holding distress alone, and finding meaningful connections to prevent isolation and exhaustion. By setting boundaries, accessing supervision, and acknowledging personal impacts, therapists can sustain their well-being and effectiveness in their roles.
In this episode focused on our journeys as therapists and counselors, we welcome back Cece Sykes. Cece has over 40 years of experience of clinical work with individuals, couples and families, specializing in recovery from trauma and addictive processes. She is a Senior Trainer of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and travels internationally teaching, lecturing and consulting. Cece also developed workshop retreat as part of an ongoing worldwide project to explore the personal narratives of therapists and the impact on their work.
Podcast Feedback and Interview Request welcome at https://internalfamilysystems.pt/ifs-talks
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode