I love being a therapist for teachers. Teachers are amazing people who instill character, hope, peace, learning, and so much more into students’ lives. Students are essential to the future of our country and our world, yet it is teachers that help shape them into who they will become. When I work with teachers, I get to see firsthand how much teachers care. Most teachers care significantly about their students and if their students succeed in school and life. Teachers love in ways that other people rarely have the opportunity. Teachers love their students in the everyday moments of handling stress and staying calm during chaos. Teachers meet students right where they are and help them become the best people they can be.
Teachers, this one is for you!
When I help a teacher, I know that I am supporting their students.
Teachers, you can only give what you have. It seems like a truly simple statement, but we often forget that people cannot provide what they do not have. You deal with stress every day and often need the support of others to provide continual aid to your students.
Where do you find this support?
I see teachers who, like you, find support in their peers, workplace, family, and friends, but teachers also find support in professionals who care for them.
Sometimes teachers need a therapist. It might be taboo, but I said it. Teachers need a therapist. Teachers frequently need more support than their school, family, and friends can offer. When a teacher craves more backup, it is there. Therapists like myself are willing and ready to help them carry their load.
And when teachers are cared for by caring professionals, students get cared for better.
Take a brief look at the skills teachers who go to therapy can bring into the classroom. People ask me all the time why did no one teach me this? Because your teachers did not know. Teachers need to discern how to balance the demanding needs of the classroom, individual students, curriculum, rules of the state, county, school, requests of the principal, and the list could go on seemingly forever. There is a lot to balance as a teacher, many things that few people notice or see. You do so much, often without even noticing! WAY TO GO!!
Teachers who demonstrate self-care can teach self-care.
Learning how to take care of oneself in such an environment is crucial. Sometimes in challenging environments, we all need a little support to de-stress, learn how to cope, or have someone on our side who will listen and understand. A teacher who knows this then can teach the balance of self-care to their students. Knowing when and how to reach out for this support makes one more likely to recognize when a student needs extra help. After realizing this, a teacher can either become that support, knowing they are not alone or point the student toward a counselor or other helping professional. Who is your support system? Who is on your team? What are you doing to take care of yourself? Many teachers care so much about others that they have a hard time caring for themselves. Do you care for yourself the way you care for others?
Teachers who know self-control teach self-control.
Self-control is a challenge. Most people struggle with self-control on some level. Teachers who struggle with self-control may need someone to teach them skills to increase their awareness of their emotions, reactions, and impact on others. They also need someone to help them process and reflect on a situation and see how they could handle a similar situation differently in the future. Teachers have a heightened need for self-control because their students lack this control. Students are not known for being level-headed or thinking before they speak or act. Therefore, it is crucial that teachers have the ability not to respond but to pause, think then act. Teachers must teach them how to exercise self-control and why it is important. Teachers help these students in the moment of crisis. Counselors and parents can help the student later, but a teacher is often on the front lines. Remaining in control of oneself no matter what is the hallmark of a good teacher. You are a good teacher, so be a good teacher.
Teachers who know how to regulate themselves emotionally teach students to be emotionally regulated.
Emotional regulation is a large part of self-control, and it is not always easy. With lives of your own, you bring more to the classroom than a book or knowledge. You bring all of yourself. And sometimes that means you bring the stress of home life with you too. Knowing how to compartmentalize, or put something aside and focus on what is needed now, is a vital part of being a fantastic teacher – and a necessary part of being a functioning adult in the world. It is also something teachers at times are the ones to teach their students. Yet this can be a challenging task. Many of the stressors in our lives are very important and are hard to set aside. At times, a therapist is a needed outside person who can listen, validate emotions and be a sounding board, or let you know that you are not alone in all of the stress. When you have that support, you can be more fully present in your classroom.
Teachers who have a support system can be a support system for students in need.
You need a support system! You hopefully already have a support system, so I urge you to consider it now. Who can you freely talk to about what is happening in your classroom and with your students? Who listens and asks how it impacts you, your heart, your family, your life? If you do not consistently have that in your life, I want to invite you to find it. Call a friend, and ask to set a regular time to talk. Let your spouse or family know that you are intentionally taking time to reflect on your days. Set up an appointment with a good therapist and notice how it impacts your body, stress level, and mind when you take care of yourself for an hour. Breathe. You do not have to do this alone.
Tips for teachers
Mental health Support for teachers starting the school year
Plan well
Protect your me-time.
Build a relationship with a therapist BEFORE you need one
Build a gratitude list, look at it, and add to if often
Breathe – deeply and often
Connect with people who care about you
Sit or walk outside
Be utterly present right where you are
Speak kindly to yourself
Be with God
Are you looking for a therapist to walk with you through the hard? My name is Chandler Baggett Whitford, M.A. LCMHC. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and I would be honored to walk with you on your journey. Call today to set up a free inial consultation. (252)341-7365