Coaching for Physicians
A Safe, Confidential Space to Replenish Your Emotional Energy
Emotional energy — the fuel we need to cope with life — is a term I first learned about from a colleague who is a former physician turned therapist.
The term resonated with me because as the caregiver for my wife, I experienced depletion of my emotional energy, which was one of the factors that left me completely burnt out and on the cusp of addiction before I realized that I needed to start taking better care of myself right away — otherwise, I would be no good to anybody.
What You Can Expect
I am not a doctor. What I see, though, through working with physicians and speaking with colleagues who are physicians, is how disempowering the medical system is to doctors. And how so much pressure is placed on doctors every day to see more patients, in shorter appointments, and still be expected to deliver the same results — a recipe for a high stress, exhausting situation that is simply not sustainable (and we haven’t even touched upon all the work you’re bringing home).
That said, physician coaching sessions are designed to help you improve your mental, physical and emotional health by digging into the specific challenges you face as a doctor, and as a human being. A large part of my role is to listen, ask questions, share pertinent experiences — and make space for you to figure out what you need.
In addition, our work together is completely confidential.
Here is a list of some of the major talking points that often arise …
- Exhaustion
- Addiction
- Self-care
- Boundaries
- Goals
- Exercise & movement
- Meditation & being in the present moment
- Restoring emotional energy, reducing burnout, and boosting resilience
- Relationships — including the relationship you have with yourself, your patients, and the people in your immediate circle
Digging a Little Deeper
Since every person is unique, sessions are customized to your individual needs — meeting you where you’re at — so you won’t find any cookie-cutter solutions here.
Some of the recurring topics that often arise include how to:
- Restore emotional energy, reduce burnout and boost resilience
- Improve relationships — including the relationship you have with yourself, your patients, and the people in your immediate circle
- Separating personal from professional (leaving work at work), including:
- Thoughts and emotions that revolve around patients or administration
- Actual paperwork, reviewing cases, etc.
- Learn to more effectively manage strong (potentially debilitating) emotions like anxiety, self doubt, worry, anger, guilt & frustration
- Practice mindfulness — and stillness — every day, even if it’s only for a few minutes to start, to lessen distraction and be in more the moment
- Define and practice healthy ways to cope with challenging situations, thoughts & emotions
- Observe thoughts & emotions, and be less overwhelmed by them
- Understand that thoughts & emotions are things we experience — they are not who we are
- Implement sustainable, customizable self-care strategies & practices that lower stress and reverse burnout
- Use the breath as a powerful tool to release stress & be more mindful
- Meet yourself where you are without judgement
- Manage negative self talk
- Identify and let go of resistance, while learning how to practice acceptance more often
- Incorporate the “yes, and” philosophy into your personal & professional life, a positive, solutions-based approach to any situation
Get in Touch …
If you’re ready to book a physician coaching discovery session, schedule one now. And if you have questions, feel free to contact Joey anytime.