Do I qualify as a “caregiver”?
At Jones-Wood Psychological Associates, our specialized clinicians support caregiving in all forms, including both family and professional caregiving. Family caregiving often comes about unexpectedly and presents challenges that can lead to physical, emotional, psychological, and financial strain. Whether you are taking care of a child, a spouse, a clinicians are experienced and trained to support YOU, the caregiver, in taking care of you.
Professional caregivers (health care providers, personal care aides, educators, ministers/pastors, behavioral health counselors, social workers, psychologists/psychiatrists, and all who support others as their profession) may know all too well both the rewards and hazards of caregiving, yet professional caregiving burnout is at an all-time high (1) .
As the adage goes, self-care is NOT selfish. By partnering with a qualified clinician in individual or group counseling, family and professional caregivers alike can reduce isolation & depression, increase resiliency, improve stress management and care for their loved ones and clients (2). Caregivers deserve individualized support, to know they are not alone in their caregiving journeys, to empower themselves to live their own lives fully and authentically, and to provide optimal support for those they care for.
Common issues addressed in specialized counseling for caregivers:
- Isolation/ Community building
- Grief (including anticipatory and ambiguous grief)
- Loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Guilt/Shame
- Acceptance
- Holistic self-care
- Mindfulness
- Spirituality
- Empowerment
- Resilience
Clinicians who provide specialized caregiver support:
Kathleen Hobson Davis has particular expertise supporting caregivers of those with chronic medical and mental health conditions of all ages. She also has a unique niche in the rapidly-growing allergy community, supporting parents/caregivers of those with life-threatening allergies and related medical and mental health conditions.
Juliane Belisle has more than 16 years of experience in supporting families and individuals impacted by cancer, chronic or terminal illness. She has extensive experience in working with compassion fatigue, end of life concerns, anticipatory/ambiguous grief, and long term or complicated grief.
Brandy Kushan loves supporting children and families, particularly those with a history of trauma, attachment issues, and behavioral issues.
Gail Papay provides support for families and caretakers struggling with anxiety, depression, and anticipatory grief regarding their loved one’s physical, mental health, and aging-related conditions. She also supports military service families.
Footnotes:
- American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/01/special-burnout-stress#:~:text=Burnout%20and%20stress%20are%20at%20all-time%20highs%20across,the%20politicization%20of%20mask-wearing%20and%20other%20unrelenting%20stressors
- National Family Caregiver Support Program
https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/national-family-caregiver-support-program