We recently shared with you several therapists’ answers to the question about what keeps them inspired in their work. However, therapists are whole people, too, so we also wanted to know what keeps them inspired outside of the work. After all, work-life balance and self-nurturing are wonderful things for therapists to model! Here, eleven of our associate therapists share what inspires them in life.
Cynthia Martin answered:
I get outside to be inspired and held by nature.
Read Cynthia Martin’s complete interview here.
Elizabeth Dausch answered:
I love nature walks, dancing, and experiencing great stories through film and books.
Read Elizabeth Dausch’s complete interview here.
Caroline Lee answered:
Living an honest life [since we’re all going to die]. I am also a death doula, so mortality informs a lot of my work and my life, too.
Read Caroline Lee’s complete interview here.
Kaye Reeves answered:
Outside of the work, I read widely, walk around the City, and challenge myself to write fiction and learn new skills, such as playing the guitar.
Read Kaye Reeves’ complete interview here.
Mark Resch answered:
My outside inspirations are time in nature especially out on the water, and participating in a strong, vibrant community.
Read Mark Resch’s complete interview here.
Julie Peters answered:
I worked as an actor, director, teaching artist, professor, and stage manager during my twenties and early thirties, so I like to sing and get involved in theatre projects outside of work. My theatre work led me to the path of becoming a therapist. Character studies in theatre work have much in common with learning about the motivations and experiences of clients.
Read Julie Peters’ complete interview here.
Elaine Walker answered:
As a farmer/gardener for over 10 years, I am deeply connected to nature and facilitate healing through land-based rituals and ceremonies. Some of my trainings include courses and workshops in Hakomi, Reiki and Jungian dreamwork. I am inspired by gathering, infinite interconnectedness, plant wisdom, movement, poetry, liminal spaces, the ocean, seed sovereignty, art and tarot.
Read Elaine Walker’s complete interview here.
Brooke Hein answered:
I stay inspired by staying curious (reading books, listening to podcasts, attending workshops and trainings, seeking out supervision and consultation, going to therapy), expressing myself (through art, cooking, baking, movement, writing, community), stepping away for awhile (almost anything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes), and coming back to gratitude, self-compassion, and small wins (tomorrow is another opportunity to try again)
Read Brooke Hein’s complete interview here.
Jordana del Feld answered:
Outside of work, I dance tango, I make pottery, I draw pictures, I sing songs, I play my cello, I write, I swim and do yoga, and I spend time with friends and family.
Read Jordana del Feld’s complete interview here.
Chris Doorley answered:
My two go-to activities are hiking and creative writing. Pretty often, I’m doing those two things at the same time (think, haiku). Additionally, about music I am a freak— a pan-genre nut about sounds and songs of all kinds from all times, from Tibetan singing bowls to ‘50s jazz to alt rock to electronica (& praise be, Radiohead).
Read Chris Doorley’s complete interview here.
Karen Baker answered:
My go-to inspirations outside of work and my people, nature, art, constant learning, travel and the movement of my own body.
Read Karen Baker’s complete interview here.
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- 16 Therapists Answer: What other modalities inform your work?
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- 9 Therapists Share Their Favorite Inspiring Quotes