Wellness Reflections for Clinicians
Working with families whose children are struggling with substance use can take quite a toll on us as clinicians. We hold stories of fear, grief, and hope—and often walk alongside parents at their most vulnerable. Supporting these families requires not only clinical skills, but also deep empathy, patience, and care for ourselves in the process.
Families may bring intense emotion into the room: anger, guilt, or despair. While our instinct is to help carry their burden, we serve them best when we hold space rather than absorb it. Grounding yourself before and after sessions—through breath, journaling, or consultation—helps you stay centered and compassionate without burning out.
It’s common for parents to come in seeking a quick solution, while their child may not yet be ready for change. Recognizing this ambivalence as part of the process—and helping families move from fear toward understanding—can ease frustration. Remind yourself that your role is to guide, not to fix.
Our empathy can make it tempting to overextend—checking in after hours, worrying long after sessions, or feeling personally responsible for a family’s progress. Maintaining professional boundaries is not a lack of care; it’s an act of sustainability. Boundaries protect both the therapeutic relationship and your own emotional wellbeing.
When you witness small shifts—families communicating more openly, parents choosing compassion over control—take a moment to notice and celebrate it. Recognizing growth, however subtle, nourishes your sense of purpose and helps counter the heaviness that can accompany this work.
This work is heart work. Prioritize supervision, peer consultation, and restorative breaks. Whether it’s a walk, music, or a quiet cup of coffee, find moments that refill your energy. You can’t pour from an empty cup—and your steadiness is one of the most healing elements you bring into the room.
At its core, our role is to remind families—and ourselves—that healing unfolds through connection, patience, and compassion. By tending to our own wellness, we make it possible to stay grounded in theirs.
-Lara Hoffman, Penny Lane Centers
