Skip to main content

Netflix Saved My Life!

Throughout my program, as well as in my Ethics class, I have been learning that, as counselors, we are our greatest tool.  What does that mean exactly?  To be the most effective for your clients, you have to take care of yourself, or as us counselors like to call it, “self-care.”  This may sound like common sense and a pretty easy task to handle, but it’s not as easy as you think. 

I have always been the type of person that wants to succeed and do well, whether it’s in the classroom or with my clients at my internship, but sometimes, doing well is making sure you’re okay first.  With my fulltime assistantship, four classes, and two full work days at my internship, stress and anxiety are inevitable, and it’s sometimes hard to schedule some time for yourself.  I’m learning, with the help of my cohort and professors, setting time aside for self-care is not only relaxing, but necessary for myself, and it ultimately benefits my clients. 

What does self-care mean for me?  Going out with friends for dinner at one of the Delis in Williamsburg, visiting friends from my undergrad, or even taking a night and watching a movie or show on Netflix ("Roseanne" is amazing!).  Netflix has saved my life!  Well, no, it’s not that dramatic, but it has made self-care a lot easier and more enjoyable.  Self-care for counselors and people in general is crucial to our health and well-being.  Self-care, whatever it means for you…do it!