Posted by B2chica on April 24, 2008, at 14:14:45
In reply to What an eye opening experience (my internship), posted by Happyflower on April 23, 2008, at 14:59:44
i think to desensitize is a terrible thing. don't desensitize, you need your instincts to decipher the personalities and their true needs when they come to you.
what you need to learn to do is refocus. They are not you, they do not have the same issues. you are not there to comfort them (maybe a little), you are there to help them. yes they may need a hug or two but how is that really going to help them. they need someone put together that is going to give them direction, assistance, and contacts, and make them feel assured that they are being helped and that there is help out there.
ESPECIALLY the young ones, you're lucky they're even there for help, most don't believe in "the system".i think if people, no matter what town they lived in, if they looked around the corner would be suprised to find out how many homeless or NEAR homeless they have in their very own community. it is sickening.
Remember if you burn yourself out you can't help anyone, pace yourself.
ALSO, keep a healthy distance, DON"T get caught up in their drama. it may turn out a LOT different than you think.(you'd be suprised how many stories may not be 'accurate')
and a PORTION of the help is a hell of a lot more than they came in with. and many times thats all they need, they can get the rest from other agencies.and FYI. i'm speaking from a lot of experience. i'm involved in a charity that goes out into the community once a month and helps the poor. after five years, you see and hear almost everything...you think.
Remember, it doesn't matter if you don't help all 2 million in your city, it doesn't matter if you don't fix absolutely ALL their problems. What is important is that you are consistant with your advice and assistance. and that you are there, even if it's only once a month, then you are a rock in the community for them to associate with help.
This is a goal, a mission to externalize. not something to ponder and pain with internalizing. if we stop to think about it we will curl up and get nothing accomplished. You must put them, their needs first.
Sorry to sound harsh. this was your first time, it's not easy, it took me a few months going out with my senior partner before i got the hang of things on my own. But do remember, sometimes the best help they can get is just listening, no interjections, no "GREAT ADVICE"...but just listening and telling them you're going to try to help as best you can.
keep it up HF, you are doing great.
poster:B2chica
thread:824988
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080423/msgs/825207.html