Emotional stresses on the psychotherapist

The practice of psychotherapy is a stressful occupation, both emotionally and physically. Becoming a better psychotherapist probably results in increasing the stress rather than decreasing it. If we do not recognize this we will respond in ways that are damaging either to our patients or to ourselves. Rather than attempting to be emotional supermen or superwomen, therapists need to be aware of their own needs and limitations and plan both their private and work lives accordingly.