©2001 by Donna Cunningham, MSW and Deborah Bier, M.Ed.

Burnout strikes those in mainstream service fields like therapists, doctors, and nurses, and they have whole conferences on how to prevent or treat it. Workers in alternative fields are no less immune, but we tend not to be organized into professional associations that look out for our needs -- nor, for that matter, sometimes even to think of ourselves as professionals.

Vibrational healing tools like flower essences can be a strong support. While these approaches would help almost any burnt-out healing professional, they may be more important still for those in the alternative realm. We so often work on the energetic level -- consciously or unconsciously -- and in so doing, we may leave our energy fields wide open. We tend to soak up clients' emotional and physical turmoil and mistake them for our own. Part of being drained happens on the auric level--we may unwittingly transfer our own energy to clients in a misguided attempt to heal or uplift them rather than channeling energy from higher sources. (Compassionate healthcare workers in the mainstream do this as well, but often with less awareness of why they feel drained.)

Many of the articles in this issue address general work issues that you may share, like fatigue and over-striving. Described below, however, are six types of remedies we recommend for the self-care repertoire of all helping professionals...and those studying to be helping professionals, too.

Psychic Shielding and Boundary Setting: All the yarrow essences are for people who are overly empathetic, especially to the point of experiencing others' emotions, physical pain, etc. For two wonderful articles on the use of the different types of Yarrow (M) essences, see here and here. Another choice would be the excellent Making and Honoring Boundaries (D). Grape (D, W) helps set an appropriate sense of responsibility when helping others, often an antidote for healers who get enmeshed with their clients. Bleeding Heart (photo at right) (M) can also be called upon when the helper over-identifies with the help-ee.

Your Favorite Generalist Essence: Generalist essences are those which paint with a broad brush and may focus on grounding, centering, trauma/stress recovery or general balance. These can cover a multitude of situations; consistent use can minimize wear-and-tear on a day-to-day basis. They include Rescue Remedy (B), Five Flower (HH), Master Harmonizing Mixture (W). You can use them by mouth or topically -- including on the hands if doing energy work -- as well as in a spray to clear and set the energy level in the room before the next client shows up. Massage therapists might want to try the oil-based version of Master Harmonizing Mixture (W); a study has shown that therapists using it in their usual oil feel less tired and enjoy their day at work more.

Hopelessness, Grief, Heart Center Exhaustion: Because we may come to care about our clients, their stories may really touch us deeply. At times, when there's a lot going on in your caseload, it can seem like you have only two choices: have your heart break from the grief of it all, or shut down emotionally so it doesn't hurt, leaving you apathetic or cynical. If you're already at this point, or want to keep yourself from getting there, you might try one or more of the essences here. See Donna's article on essences for discouragement. White Solstice Rose (W) is also for when it seems you have too many feelings for your heart to hold, or for a heart shut tight from pain. Bleeding Heart (F) is for an overloaded heart, and Pink Everlasting (L) is for a burnt-out heart.

Overwork: If it seems there aren't even CLOSE to enough hours in the day for all the clients, phone calls, and paperwork you have to do (never mind HAVE A LIFE)...if you can't remember what it felt like to be even fairly well-rested...if the grind of your case load has sapped all your love of the work out of you, then you may want to think of an essence for overwork. First, see the articles on overwhelm and ambition in this issue. Rabbitbrush (F) (along left border) can also help when the mind is dulled by too many details and too much multi-tasking. Dill (photo at right) (F) helps with exhaustion from overstimulation. And Aloe Vera (F) is for the habitually overworked who tend to run themselves into the ground.

Financial Issues: Do you find it difficult to charge your clients for your services -- too shy to ask for much of a fee? Or does your workplace not pay you a salary reflective of your caring, experience, and skill? If so, you may be headed to burnout, or may already be there. Not getting paid what you are worth can lead to bad morale, resentment and anger -- not to mention a lot of stressful red ink on your bank statement. For self-worth issues, there is Daylily (W). Self-Heal (photo at top right) (M) can aid confidence to grow. Or consider Crab Apple (B) when you think you're undeserving, or Centaury when you habitually put others needs before your own. Buttercup (F) helps us feel recognition for our gifts, even if our environment is disrespectful.

ART CREDITS: ArtToday.

The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.

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