Career in Helping Other Abuse Survivors?

[JayBro]

Hi Everyone,

recently I have been met with an opportunity to apply for master of social work uni programmes. I had turned down offers to sociology to study the topic of male sexual abuse, partially out of fears that I would not receive relevant qualifications, but also because the topic itself was really getting to me. In June I went to a 3 day conference with professionals in this field, and I have to say, I was extremely triggered and having anxiety attacks. These past several years have been like that, with me trying my best to educate and advocate on this issue while also struggling and recovering.

I had myself persuaded that I wanted to be a social work and therapist with a specialization in helping male survivors. But I am coming more and more to the realization that perhaps this may be not a particularly healthy full time career for me. I am not sure. I do know that many social workers and therapists have themselves experienced trauma of various kinds, but how do they deal with consuming themselves in a particular topic without becoming over-exposed and burnt out? I feel like when I real stories about offenders, types of abusers, police investigations etc. I get more and more traumatized. I have a desire to help victims, but I don't know if I am really cut out to do so.

Do you guys have any recommendations? I have plenty of other interests and was pursuing them prior. I don't know if I should go back to studying something that is not triggering or if I should dedicate myself to helping other survivors. I am having an identity crisis and I wish I had more time to make a decision.

 

[woodenshoes]

Jaybro

You need to find your passion. Something you enjoy that won't trigger you every corner you turn. Take a pad write down you pro's and con's of what you who like to do and start there. You will figure it out. You will do well in what ever you decide to do. What about a addiction councillor or Christian councillor.

 

[Blvd1236]

This may seem a little off topic but I think it may apply.

Although I'd heard it countless times before, on a recent flight something struck me a quite profound.

On every flight, before you take off, the crew gives the standard safety presentation. Part of it has to do with the oxygen mask - the guideline is put on your own mask before you go to the aid of others. As a parent, I immediately think of my kids and it initially seems to go against my instinct to help my loved ones first. That's been my tendency in a lot of areas of my life - I was always motivated to help others - often without consideration for myself.

Wanting to serve others is a good and noble thing. But what good am I to be of real help to anyone if I've put myself in too much of a weakened state?

The answer is often not so clear.

 

[Ceremony]

I hope you find what supports and satisfies you.

 

[betrayed boy]

hi jay, only you can say what you can or cannot do or handle, one poss. way might to be to do the schooling while your working on your recovery perhaps by the time the schooling is over you may be ready to start a new life/job, i know my T is a survivor and her being one is extreamly helpful to me in so many ways, and i believe its required for a T to have their own T just so they have an outlet and help if things get tough by clients triggering you during sessions, good luck hope you make the choice that makes you happy and content.

 

[WG]

Jaybro - I applaud you for dediring to move into the 'helping professions' field. Can't ever have enough people here. I am one, too. I am a state licensed chemical dependency professional and I also counsel my clients in areas that are not always just using or drinking. They drink and use for a reason - oftentimes it is as a result of a trauma or some emotional pain they are masking. We work to slowly and carefully pull that mask off. It takes time for them to trust and feel like that's where they want to go. I do tell them sometimes that when they have discussed some topic with me, and we begin to go further with it, I will say that "since you've opened the door, I'm going to walk through it" and go a bit further with the subject. This all takes time.
As for me, when I need to talk - yes, I have a very skilled T plus there are 2 men I have as close friends who will talk with me and listen. I have the advantage of having a terrific wife, too - albeit she can only listen and offer some suggestions since she isn't my T or a survivor.......hope some of this helps.....
Yes, I like what I do. Yes, I oddly enough, like that population I work with. I'm heading into retirement age and by all intents and purposes, am ready to do so. Burnt out? Most days, no. After over 12 years of this profession, I think I've earned some rest.....
If you are seriously considering the profession, speak with those who do the work. Sit down with one every so few weeks and tell them your concerns - as if you can scare them - and let them know what you might be looking to do as a life work. Possibly shadow someone for a day or two. That's always a good indicator if you're considering the work. You'll need to sign a Release of Information / Confidentiality form or two since you will be hearing and seeing clients in confidence - that's only if the T and client agree.
Think about it. Research it. Your heart will tell you....

 

[skydive4therapy]

Working in an area where you can help other survivors and feel you've really made a difference can be incredibly rewarding.....and incredibly difficult for a survivor.
I thought I had dealt with my abuse a long time ago, however after almost 10 years working in CAC (crimes against children) my bucket of crap fell off the shelf.(Just starting to really deal with it now)
Unless you've already healed you will get hit with triggers every day in these jobs, and as I found they are cumulative.
It can be incredibly rewarding and a form of self-therapy.
And at the same time it can be so heartbreaking.....