Dealing with the Loss of a Loved One: A Professional Therapist Journey
We’ve all had those times when we feel crushed and exhausted by emotionally draining times. And in those times, we might seek professional help from a therapist. But have you ever wondered how therapists process their internal struggles? How do they help solve another person’s problems when they’re fighting their own battles simultaneously?
Dr. Cynthia Chen, my guest for today’s episode, comes out openly about dealing with one of the most challenging times of her life: losing her elder brother to lung cancer and how she’s chosen to process the various emotions that came with it. She shares how she managed her work – sometimes, taking some time off work and sometimes, immersing herself in it to stop her mind from wandering – to let her mind feel and heal. A loss as significant as that could shake your whole world; Cynthia goes back in time to reveal how she privately processed her feelings.
In this episode, Cynthia narrates her journey in life so far: the experience growing up in a Chinese household, pursuing a doctorate in psychology, her approach to the work she does, and dealing with the challenges that have come her way in life. Our discussion gets deep into being comfortable with your emotions – both positive and negative, emotional regulation, resilience, and revival. Listen in!
Episode Lessons:
- Finding a balance between how much to reveal and not reveal about yourself to your clients: While giving away too much could feel like a risk, being extremely private could also be very draining.
- The processing of grief looks different for everyone. It all comes down to being comfortable around even your most negative emotions.
- Emotional regulation isn’t about regulating your emotions as much as it is about regulating your reaction to those emotions.
ABOUT DR. CYNTHIA CHEN
Dr. Chen's experience in education, pediatric hospitals, and mental health settings spans over 20 years. Her clinical training and work has focused on working with children and families impacted by trauma, as well as those experiencing acute and chronic medical conditions. She currently works part time in private practice providing individual and family counseling, maintains a clinical faculty position at a local children's hospital with their Solid Organ Transplant Team, and conducts social justice focused consultations to schools and organizations.
CONNECT WITH DR. CYNTHIA CHEN
Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/cynthia-chen-denver-co/339979
Links:
Marisol’s website: https://www.marisolerlacher.com/
LinkedIn: Marisol - www.linkedin.com/in/marisol-solarte-erlacher
Instagram: @Resilience_and_Resistance
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