WHY EUSTRESSIN'?: TONY ROBINSON
As a recent graduate with his Doctoral degree, Tony has expounded his knowledge base while serving as a counselor. It was an honor to learn how he includes Eustress in his life. Check it out!
HEY TONY, WHY EUSTRESSIN’?
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING/ HOW LONG?
I am both a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor experienced in counseling a wide array of clients and has extensive experience counseling children, adolescents and their families using art, music and play therapy techniques. I also had experience working with college students providing individual, group and couples counseling in a university counseling center. I believe everyone has the potential for change, and I give a warm and supportive environment to help foster individual growth. I use a person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral and motivational interviewing approaches to counseling with clients. My therapeutic skills set derive from both academic settings and outpatient counseling and wellness centers. I have helped clients overcome struggles related to relationship issues, adjustment issues, grief and loss, crisis, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and self-esteem.
DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR PROFESSION?
I believe as a mental health professional that I must ensure that I'm functioning at the utmost level. If I'm not concerned about my mental health, how can I as a professional provide the most optimal care for my clients? Good mental health in our profession is mandatory to prevent burnout.
WHAT UNIQUE CHALLENGES DO YOU ENCOUNTER SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR JOB THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT?
I believe in any role if you truly immerse yourself into the process, you may take a small piece of that away with you. Mainly, my previous roles working with youth and feeling as though I could've accomplished more with them beyond what the organization provides.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THOSE STRESSORS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
Self-care practices are essential to combat everyday stressors such as taking regularly scheduled breaks.
• Take vacations periodically and don’t bring work with you.
• Quality time with friends, hobbies, and interests unrelated to work.
• Exercising regularly, have a healthy diet, and maintain and appropriate weight.
• Participate in peer support, clinical supervision, personal psychotherapy, and/or journaling as preventive strategies.
• Attending religious and spiritual functions.
• Regularly participate in relaxing activities (e.g., meditation, yoga, reading, music).
• Regularly participate in activities that you enjoy and look forward to.
WHAT DOES EUSTRESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AT WORK? AT HOME/AWAY FROM WORK?
A challenging client that requires me to reach into my toolbox coupled with conferring with trusted colleagues to provide the best treatment. This opportunity strengthens my aptitude as a clinician overall.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD TELL SOMEONE JUST STARTING IN YOUR PROFESSION OR A YOUNG PERSON WHO ASPIRES TO BE THE PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU ARE?
Be open to new and exciting challenges that require you to step outside of your comfort zone particularly when it comes to various populations that you may not necessarily be drawn to in the end those opportunities will broaden your clinical aptitude and level of expertise. Also, when managing stress levels find a trusted mentor or colleague in the field who functions as a sounding board when trials and tribulations come. Lastly, practice self-care at all times whether it be hanging with friends, hobbies, vacations, music or mindfulness activities.
HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTACT YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Instagram:
mrconfidantofmany
Email:
tony32009@hotmail.com
