Therapist's Guide to Clinical Intervention - Sigmund Freud

4. Cope with what needs to be done
A. No "What ifs"—the circumstances are what they are
B. When you do what needs to be done without over thinking it doesn't feel so bad.
C. Deal with it—even if that means the decision is to delegate, use other resources
and assert your own limits
5. Avoid emotional blackmail
A. Do not give into intimidation, tantrums, anger, silence, or being guilted into
sympathy
B. If you give in to negative efforts to get you to respond, you are likely to feel
resentful and that is not fair. Take responsibility for the choices you make.
C. Give adequate, appropriate care
6. Avoid the useless feeling of guilt
A. Be clear about what you are doing and why you are doing it
B. Recognize your own limitations
C. Feel at peace by doing the best you can
D. Don't self-criticize with "shoulds"
7. Exercise conservation of energy
A. Avoid the stance of "I can do it all"
B. Identify and utilize appropriate resources
C. If you find yourself complaining a lot, use this awareness as an opportunity to
make necessary changes
D. If you find yourself experiencing physical fatigue or depression, you need to review
your own needs and commitment to self-care and self-responsibility
8. Take care of yourself first
A. If you are going to take care of some of the needs of another, it is imperative
that you take care of yourself so that you have the physical and emotional energy
to do what you feel is necessary
B. Utilize resources
1. Family
2. Friends
3. Professionals
4. Community resources
C. Get adequate rest, eat well, do things that you enjoy, spend time with people that
are fun and who can distract you from your daily obligations. You need to laugh
and to have fun.
9. Acceptance of current circumstances
A. Don't waste your energy trying to think your way out—it won't change
the situation
B. Look realistically at the situation and make sensible choices
C. Participate in a support group if one is available in your community
D. If there are not any support groups for caregivers in your community, read on
the subject to reinforce your positive efforts
10. Self-review
A. From time to time, take an inventory of your
1. Emotions
2. Use of time
3. Self-care
4. Personal goals
364 3. Skill-Building Resources for Increasing Social Competency