The Role of a Healer

Now, that my first semester comes to an end I finally find a bit of breathing room to reflect on what I have learned beyond the typical classroom lessons. There are two realizations that I want to share here with you.

First, is the amount of involvement and dedication that I should give to my future carrier. At first I thought that, since I am in this to help people, I should try to give as much as possible. However, as I continue learning about the implications, boundaries, and roles I start to question my earlier assumptions. Per McGoldrick, “…stay out of the minefield of guilt and do-gooder behavior that does not benefit our clients or ourselves. Humility and active commitment to collaboration are essential therapist skills. The value of our work does not reside in our ability to provide answers to our clients’ problems, but rather in helping them to define their options, however limited.” (p. 101). McGoldrick suggests to stay in contact and to consult with colleagues to keep on track. Already, I feel that my classmates are an excellent source of advice and I can see how in the future their input can become invaluable. McGoldrick was able to provide me with some good advice on a point that I consider fundamentally important to my future in social work.

Second, I found one of those light bulbs turn on above my head when I was reading Coyote Medicine by Lewis Mehl-Madrona. The book describes his journey and realization that while at medical school modern medicine is primarily concerned with the physical body but ignores the spirit and mind. As a consequence he decides to become a Native American healer in addition to being a western doctor. Before reading the book I considered my future role more as that of a guide, mentor, or advisor. It never occurred to me until reading the book that in essence my future might be that of a healer. Western medicine is so caught up in healing the body that it forgets and ignores people's need for a healthy mind, spirit and thought. This is a consideration that requires further thought on my end because it could mean additional responsibility but also additional opportunities to help people in a much more significant way.