Maintaining Balance: Wisdom

"Believe those who are seeking the truth; doubt those who find it." (André Gide)

The Balancing Act for Professionals:
Family and Work, Scheduled and Unscheduled Time
“There are many ways to achieve balance; what is most important is defining what 'balance' means to you and then taking steps to achieve it.”
(Martha Bernadett, MD, MBA)

Interested in learning more? Then read Marsha Bernadett's article, The Balancing Act: Assessing Where You Are On Your Own Personal “Balance” Scale, in California Family Physician, Winter 2003.

Wisdom for Graduate Students

Ruth Gonzalez asked her School Psychology students to reflect on their experience and offer suggestions for new students. Are you interested in their advice?

Although the students were from only one class, they seem to agree that certain themes are important tips for those students who will follow them. Their suggestions have been grouped together in common areas. They offer ideas for being a graduate student, a professional-in-training and a healthy human being.
Click here to access their thoughts.

Wisdom for Therapist’s Work with Clients

I once asked graduate students to share their wisdom as concise gems for others. One idea is paraphrased here. Joan Hartzke McIlroy

"Look, listen, search for strengths and resiliency. You might be the only person in a client's life who acknowledges and voices his or her assets. Don't underestimate the value of a kind word. Of course, timing and relevance are important."

• How often do you employ a strength-based approach in your work with clients?
• Are you intentional in addressing resilience with each client or client system?
• Do you have a harder time recognizing the assets of some clients?
• What do you do when you have difficulty seeing a client from a strength-based approach?
• Would these models be inappropriate or ineffective with some of your clients? What's better?

Wisdom for Self-Care

I once asked graduate students to share their wisdom as concise gems for others. One idea is paraphrased here. Joan Hartzke McIlroy

"Some practitioners find it helpful to have a ritual to facilitate the transition from work to home (and also from home to work). Rituals can help clarify boundaries between work and home."

• What rituals might work for you (e.g., listening to your favorite music while commuting)?
• What rituals might help you relax?
• What rituals might help you energize?
• Which transition might be especially important to work on (going to work or leaving work)?
• Do you want to use a ritual this week to experience potential benefits?

For feedback, questions or submissions, please contact cpsycpr@lclark.edu.