Question 4.7

Jo is a counsellor who is working for a counselling organisation that provides counselling and other support services for women who are experiencing family violence. Jo works on the 24/7 telephone assistance line. She works five shifts per week, with two of these shifts being the evening shift that finishes at midnight. When Jo first began her role six months ago she expressed to her family and friends how much she felt personally rewarded by knowing that she would be in a position to help so many women deal with their crisis situations. Jo was so keen to make a difference that on her days off she began to read up on the latest practice guidelines and research in the area of family violence. This led to a reduction in her own social activities. While she still sees her friends from time-to-time, mostly when her friends call to arrange social get-togethers Jo declines saying "I'm not up for it, sorry - I need to stay focused on my job." She feels that there are so many women and their families in need of support that she doesn't feel right about going out and enjoying herself when there are people suffering. Jo has generally found her role to be challenging but quite rewarding. However, over the last few weeks Jo has begun to feel extremely tired, physically as well as mentally. She isn't sleeping well, particularly on the days that she works the evening shift, and she finds herself often thinking about the women who she has spoken to after she gets home from work. Jo has also started to notice that she has become more irritable at home and that she often snaps at her partner and loses her temper over minor things.

a) Based on your understanding of risks associated with counselling, what is happening here for Jo? Explain your reasoning.

b) Imagine that you are Jo's co-worker, and she has come to you for some advice. What would you suggest that Jo does differently in order to better take care of herself?