Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to ALLISON Lieberman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
ALLISON, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the best advice you’ve ever given to a client? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
As a therapist specializing in working with new moms, one of the most impactful pieces of advice I’ve shared with a client revolves around the importance of asking for and accepting help. In the context of new motherhood, where the challenges can be overwhelming, and the pressure to be self-sufficient is high, encouraging my client to embrace the support of others had a profound effect.
One particular client, let’s call her Sarah, was struggling with the demands of caring for a newborn while also trying to manage household responsibilities. Sarah initially hesitated to reach out to her support network, feeling she should be able to handle everything independently. During our sessions, we explored the belief that seeking help was a sign of weakness and gradually reframed it as an act of strength and self-care.
Over time, Sarah began implementing this advice by communicating her needs to her partner, family, and friends. She started accepting offers of assistance with chores, childcare, and emotional support. The transformation was palpable. Sarah reported feeling less isolated and more connected to her loved ones while experiencing a notable reduction in stress.
Moreover, as Sarah opened up to those around her, she discovered that many people were more than willing to provide support, and her relationships deepened. The advice to seek help alleviated the practical challenges of new motherhood and fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Witnessing this positive shift in Sarah’s life reinforced the idea that, as human beings, we thrive when we acknowledge our vulnerability and allow others into our world. It’s a lesson that extends beyond the realm of new motherhood. It serves as a powerful reminder that we are not meant to navigate life’s challenges in isolation but rather through the strength of our interconnectedness.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a certified Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in perinatal mental health, I am dedicated to fostering emotional well-being during the transformative journey of parenthood. My name is Allison Lieberman, and I proudly own and operate a virtual group therapy practice, Rooted in Harmony Counseling, that focuses on providing affordable and bilingual therapy to individuals and couples navigating the complexities of postpartum life.
With a passion for supporting mental health in the postpartum period, my practice is designed to address the unique challenges that individuals and couples face during this critical time. I bring a wealth of expertise to the virtual space, combining my professional training with a deep understanding of the emotional landscape accompanying the postpartum experience.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that selflessness was the ultimate virtue, a perspective deeply ingrained in me due to a childhood marked by parental illness and the subsequent need to suppress my emotions. Growing up in an environment where caregiving was a constant demand, I internalized the notion that prioritizing others’ needs at my own expense was not only expected but also noble.
The backstory to this unlearning process traces back to childhood when one of my parents faced health challenges. In response to the circumstances, I became adept at putting others first, suppressing my own emotions, and subjugating my needs to maintain harmony and meet the demands of caregiving.
As I transitioned into motherhood, I realized the toll this selfless approach took on my mental and emotional well-being. The suppression of my own needs and emotions led to a sense of emptiness and burnout. It became clear that true well-being couldn’t be sustained through self-neglect.
The turning point came when I sought therapy to explore these patterns and understand their origins. Through introspection and professional guidance, I learned that healthy relationships, including the one with oneself, require balance and reciprocity. Unlearning the belief that selflessness was the only path to virtue allowed me to embrace the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and expressing my emotions authentically.
This process wasn’t easy, as it required challenging deep-seated beliefs and confronting the fear that prioritizing my well-being might be perceived as selfish. However, the journey toward unlearning this lesson has been transformative. I’ve discovered that I can be more present and compassionate in my relationships with others by acknowledging and attending to my needs. It’s an ongoing process, but the freedom and authenticity gained through unlearning the myth of selflessness have been invaluable in reclaiming my sense of self and well-being.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
While knowledge and training provide the foundation for a career in mental health, personal development and self-awareness are like the scaffolding that supports a therapist’s ability to connect, communicate, and navigate the complex dynamics of the therapeutic relationship. It’s an ongoing process that not only benefits the therapist personally but also significantly contributes to their effectiveness in helping others.
Here are some ways personal development can help:
Empathy and Understanding: Therapists often draw on their own experiences to understand and empathize with their clients’ struggles. Personal growth allows therapists to connect deeper and offer genuine understanding.
Effective Communication: Working on personal communication styles and addressing unique challenges in communication can enhance a therapist’s ability to convey empathy, understanding, and insights effectively.
Boundaries: Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is vital in the therapeutic relationship. Personal development helps therapists recognize their limits and distinguish between empathy and emotional involvement.
Authenticity: Clients often respond positively to therapists who are authentic and genuine. Addressing personal issues makes therapists more authentic in their interactions, creating a more trusting and open therapeutic space.
Countertransference Awareness: Personal growth aids in recognizing and managing countertransference – the therapist’s emotional reactions to the client. By understanding and addressing personal triggers, therapists can provide more objective and effective support.
Continuous Learning: Personal growth is an ongoing process. Therapists who actively engage in self-reflection and personal development are more likely to seek out new therapeutic approaches techniques, and stay abreast of developments in the field.
Resilience: The nature of therapy often involves dealing with challenging and emotionally charged situations. Personal resilience, gained through self-awareness and personal growth, helps therapists navigate the emotional demands of the profession.
Cultural Competence: Understanding one’s cultural background and biases is essential for cultural competence. Personal development encourages self-reflection on cultural influences and helps therapists approach diversity more informed and sensitively.
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Geoff & Lyndsi Photography