It’s interesting for me to observe that some of the work I have completed in the last few years in preparation for studies actually falls under the category of self-care. Self-care is now just a way to prepare for studies though, but it also turns out to be a key responsibility for a therapist. I came across the term and related tips in multiple episodes of counseling podcasts already, but now that I am studying it, I realise I need to take my self-care habits to the next level. I

Initially, this is what I thought I am or should be doing:

Caring for my own mental health:

• Work effectively, improve my work processes and habits so that I can always have enough time to rest
• Keep positive habits going: practice gratitude, fun, positive outlook on life, focus on the good stuff
• Meditate and treasure the simple moments of peace as they all add up to a unique experience of fairly balanced life and shape resilience skills for harder times
• Practice creativity – not just in terms of arts, but also making things, gardening, photography, or simply doing new things
• Maintain healthy relationships – nurture friendships, treasure good moments, resolve conflicts asap
• Learn to fail and be kind to myself – simply say: it’s OK, I am OK (I call this a mental hug to myself)

The above stuff is what we read and hear about mostly nowadays. Now, if you look at the Wikipedia definition of self-care some of those points are covered but I have not considered my physical health at all! That’s probably because I am fairly healthy and mostly strong, even though my idea of exercise equals lifting up a book to read or going for a dog walk. Not much more. And so in the light of my need path into the therapy would I really need to reflect on all areas of self-care one can imagine. Pinterest is full of ideas for self-care tips and categories but I think the model below is most efficient for me.

I will have to include the self-care habits as one of the tracks of my studies, something I need to consider in all areas of my life. Otherwise, I will not be prepared for the overwhelming responsibility of supporting my future clients effectively.

Yesterday I attended the Wantage Literary Festival at the Beacon and listened to Oliver James. It’s fascinating to listen to a psychologist who has on one hand very progressive views (supports the view that parents should have more paid time to raise their children) and at the same time is really traditional (beliefs only in the proven scientific insights, not speculative theories). I like rebels and he feels like a rebel to me, but at the end of the day as a practitioner, my job will be to learn from as many scientists and theorists as possible and apply their theory in practice to support my clients. Yes, I agree that in the nature vs nurture battle our insights were heavily focussed on genetics, and as Oliver James stated earlier, we have not much proof of genetic causes of mental illness. I completely agree with him that the early years of our lives are crucial to our mental development – and I personally think love and kindness play most important role in those years. But I also think we might be better off combining forces of both genetics and social studies to make the most of all theories for our clients. Our genes do shape us, as much as our early years, and later years of our lives too. I think we need to accept that both our background and current influences shape who we are.

Preoccupied with counselling studies and related reading, I am trying to cut down on going out at the moment. Yesterday, however, was a special evening for me. I was invited to attend an evening conversation with Richard Dawkins, the author of “The Selfish Gene”. I cannot believe it’s been 40 years already since the book was published and shaped our view of genetics, evolution, and memetics too! I remember reading it in high school (I was then fascinated with the emerging field of genetics). I made perfect sense. Later, reading Richard Brodie’s “Virus of the Mind” helped me a lot with a good understanding of the social web too. I used both theories at work for years! I was really impressed with Dawkins last night. It’s so lovely to be able to live close to Oxford and just pop out for an evening with someone who influenced me so much.

On the other hand, I was also critical. A lot has changed since his theory emerged and I am now going back to learn all the theories that came after his. I missed out on at least ten years of psychology only now and again picking up a book to read for fun. As part of the reflective process, I have to acknowledge that I need to go back to basics. I had a look at the Oxford Univesity offerings and did find a good “Introduction to Psychology course”. I think it will help me revise before I start practicing therapy. I also think it will help me identify the gaps in my knowledge. In the UK, a practicing therapist has the responsibility to develop and study, but before I get there, I want to ensure I join the industry prepared.

With social media, I was there when the second wave blogging emerged in 2014, and so it was natural for me to see it develop – while I worked with it too. I have a good, linear, historical understanding of social media which in the current, quite hectic world, helps a lot. I want to feel similarly confident in my therapeutical skills and knowledge too. Besides, studying is fun. Going to events and listening to the legends of our childhood is fun too.