From the Desk of Talia Becker, LCSW
Primary Eating Disorder Therapist
I guess I'll get right to it - (I have to admit this is my first time "blogging" and I am feeling a bit blog-shy, but I'm going to try put my fears aside and blog right in) - My name is Talia Becker and I am the new therapist on the Eating Disorder Unit here at Robert Wood Johnson. I have previously worked in a Nursing Home and most recently in an out-patient setting, one of which specialized in the treatment of eating disorders.
When I found out that I was going to be the new therapist at Robert Wood Johnson's Eating Disorder Program, I was thrilled. I have always wanted to work in this type of setting and was excited about the opportunity that lie ahead. However, as time went on, my thrill progressively turned into anxiety. Will I be able to help my patients? Will they feel connected to me? Will they feel that I truly understand?
As I shared my anxieties with my friends and family, I realized I was looking for that validation in all the wrong places. As a therapist, I constantly tell my patients to look within themselves for self-validation and acceptance, as once that's achieved, all other forms of validation and acceptance will simply follow. However, when it came to myself, I suddenly forgot how to do the most important skill I always preach to others.
So, I decided that I was going to put myself in a patient's shoe: I was going to journal and write down ways in which I can be an empathic, caring and genuine therapist. I have to admit, it did feel as if I was gloating and being egotistical, but I also knew that I deserved this, as did my patients.
And here is what I came up with:
-I have years of experience in the field - what's better than hands-on experience?
-I have attended multiple seminars and classes on eating disorders and continuously look for the most recent cutting-edge information on the topic
- hello to being up to date on my continuing education credits!
-I like to think that I am a genuinely nice person, who really does care.
And finally:
-I am human - which means that (1) I will make mistakes, but that I will also have the opportunity to get right back up and try again and (2) that means I am relatable - and that - being relatable - I truly feel is one of the most important factors when seeing patients.
Now reading that over, I definitely feel more confident, but that also took mental effort which can sometimes be difficult to find. Have you ever found it hard to give yourself credit for something you deserved? If so, you're not alone. But why not start giving yourself that credit today? Give yourself that pat on your back. Do a little happy dance when you're proud of yourself (or better yet, grab someone to do your happy dance with). I know I will. And watch out, because you may just be the lucky person I pull in for my victory party.
Well, there you have it - my first blog ever. Hopefully it was a blog-worthy first entry, but if not, I'll just have more opportunities to try again.
I mean, cmon, I'm only human.