It is essential for psychologists to be mentally well in order to help others for several reasons, especially from the perspective of cognitive psychology. Psychologists need to be at peace with their own pain in order to listen to and treat their patients without judgment. Today, we see many professionals who lack the maturity needed to help people at crucial moments in their lives. It is not uncommon for sick people to seek help from therapists who are even sicker.
First, cognitive psychology highlights the importance of mental processes in the interaction and understanding of human behavior. A psychologist who is experiencing emotional or mental difficulties may experience changes in his or her perception, judgment, and ability to empathize. These changes can affect not only the way he or she interprets the concerns and needs of his or her patients, but also the effectiveness of the interventions he or she proposes.
Furthermore, the concept of “reflective awareness” is central to psychological practice. In order for a therapist to be an effective facilitator of change and growth in their patients, they need to be aware of their own thoughts, feelings, and mental processes. This awareness is essential for personal development, as it promotes more informed decision-making and the ability to learn from experiences. If a therapist is not adequately addressing their own issues, they may project these emotions onto their patients, interfering with the therapeutic process and negatively impacting the therapeutic relationship.
Reflective awareness is often associated with the practice of mindfulness, in which people become more aware of their automatic reactions and can choose to respond to these reactions in a more intentional way. The core idea of mindfulness is to observe what is happening around and within us, without trying to change or avoid these experiences. This practice can help increase awareness, reduce stress, improve concentration, and promote greater emotional well-being.
Another important point is the ability to care for oneself. Psychologists often deal with complex and challenging emotional situations. Therefore, a professional who is not in a good mental state may have difficulty managing stress and emotional burden, which can lead to burnout and a reduction in the quality of care.
Finally, modeling healthy behaviors and promoting coping strategies are fundamental in the work of a psychologist, because when they take care of their own mental health they end up serving as a positive example for their patients, helping them understand the importance of seeking support and taking care of themselves.
Therefore, the mental health of a psychologist not only impacts his or her own life, but also the ability to effectively help others, directly reflecting on the quality of care and the well-being of patients. It is therefore up to the psychologist to seek to understand human beauty and complexity, starting with himself or herself and moving his or her gaze beyond the superficial complaints of his or her patients in order to promote a deep and lasting transformation.
