2020 was a challenging year for many reasons, and it impacted many of us in big ways, including our mental health. If you’ve never experienced mental health challenges before, chances are you did during the pandemic; if you were already suffering, the pandemic likely just piled on to an already challenging situation. In today’s episode, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate Sara Semenick joins us to talk about her experience as a mental health professional during the pandemic. Sara shares valuable coping strategies and advice for anyone who may be facing mental health challenges right now. 

Episode Highlights:

[1:17] Sara introduces herself and talks about how she’s been navigating the pandemic.  

[6:18] “We are usually separate from our client’s crises… but now we’re experiencing it along with them.” As a trained therapist, Sara talks about coping skills and how the pandemic has changed her perspective on counseling. 

[9:09] Taking care of yourself is incredibly important, especially now, and Sara speaks to how she is practicing that. “I’ve had to do major self-care this year.”

[12:51] “It breaks my heart.” The pandemic has amplified the mental health crisis in our country, and Sara sees it every day in her practice. She shares some important information for listeners.  

[16:53] “I’m working on changing that perspective.” Sara shares what she learned in 2020, and what she is taking forward into 2021. 

[20:13] Do you have a word for 2021? We hear Sara’s word and her intention for the year. “I’ve learned a lot, I’ve struggled a lot, but I feel like it’s all for a purpose.” 

[22:13] Sara tells us what it means to her to be loved well. We also hear how “truthtellers” play such an important role in Sara’s life. 

Episode Resources:

Freedom Counselling Services

Enneagram Strategy Call