Today, I’m seeing my regular caseload of residents at a nursing home. I’ve encountered a wide variety of clinical issues and concerns throughout the day.
Today, I feel especially heavy-hearted about not being able to fix my residents’ concerns. I certainly validate their issues and challenges, as well as attempt to provide much-needed support.
I realize that it isn’t always possible to completely erase others’ heartaches. It remains useful, nevertheless, to acknowledge someone else’s pain and suffering. Validation of their suffering helps attenuate the isolation associated with suffering any given challenge.
It does help that my residents consistently express their appreciation for my interest in their concerns. My position as a clinical health psychologist is a very challenging, as well as deeply rewarding one.
