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Date: August 21, 2023
Author: Jeremy Freeman MAR LP
Ever since reading Memories, Dreams, and Reflections by Carl Jung, the summer after graduating high school, I secretly longed to become a therapist. But as life would dictate, I would first spend a good bit of time working in schools. Those years were filled with challenges, triumphs, and countless lessons - not only for my students but for me as well. In fact, I learned my students best when I was learning along with them. Psychotherapy, like education, works the same way. The healing and transformation are best catalyzed when the patient and therapist are both committed to their own personal and psychic growth.
As any idealistic young teacher would be. I was passionate about education and believed in the power of knowledge to transform lives. However, it didn't take long for me to realize that the well-being of teachers was a critical but often overlooked aspect of education. As the years went by, I witnessed the toll that the demands of teaching took on my colleagues and myself. The long hours, the pressure to meet academic goals, the uncertain trajectories of tech and innovation, and the emotional weight of nurturing young hearts left many of us feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and at times, disconnected from our own well-being.
There was no epiphany. Acknowledging and accepting my desperate plight as a teacher took courage and resilience.Slowly and gradually, and with the help of an amazing bunch in my local therapy group, I began to work on taking better care of myself. I was good at taking care of others, but I had no idea how neglected I was–and that this particular disposition even, was at the heart of my success as a teacher. Teacher’s are enablers at heart, at least the good ones!
I needed to prioritize my own mental health and well-being if I wanted to continue being effective in the classroom. This realization led me on a journey of self-discovery, eventually guiding me toward the path of becoming a licensed psycho-therapist. My passion for education has revealed new purposes and goals: one of which is: supporting the heart and soul of educators.
Through my training as a therapist, I gained a deeper understanding of the impact that mindfulness and mental health practices can have on overall well-being. TMoreover, an increased awareness of my internal processes and their profound and deep historical origins has set me on a healing path that I want to share with other teachers.
And so, my journey came full circle as I combined my love for education with my newfound expertise in therapy.
Supporting Teachers' Hearts Through Mindfulness and Therapy
Today, I am humbled to offer therapy services designed specifically for educators. I recognize that teachers give their hearts and souls to their students and their classrooms, often putting their own needs on the back burner. It's my mission to change that narrative and create a space where teachers can prioritize their mental health and well-being without guilt or hesitation.
Individual therapy sessions provide a safe and confidential environment where teachers can explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges specific to the job of classroom teaching. Together, we work on managing stress, setting healthy boundaries, and building resilience. In tandem with exploring news emotional regulation skills, patients will gain access to a deeper understanding of their personality styles. Often the most talented teachers are drawn to the profession because somewhere along their development they have adapted and become helpers and healers having survived their own forms of strife and suffering. I am honored to walk alongside teachers on their journey toward personal growth and emotional well-being.
Group therapy has also proven to be a powerful tool for educators. Through these sessions, teachers come together to share their experiences, learn from one another, and foster a sense of community. Group therapy creates a space where the common struggles of teaching can be openly discussed, normalized, and met with empathy. When disagreements arise, and they do, the group setting can be a place to model healthy dialogue with a preference for being in a relationship, as opposed to winning the argument and being ‘right’.
Embracing Mindfulness in Education
Incorporating mindfulness practices into education has been a game-changer. However, these practices, often astoundingly simple and easy to grasp, can be met with complicated resistances as teachers living under duress struggle to keep up. Intuitively, 5 minutes of mindfulness work would bring up feelings of panic, “I am wasting my time. Etc.” Yet time and again, these small, attuned moments allow you to be experienced by your students in a more present, authentic way. When you give yourself time for mindfulness, your students win as well. Studies have documented this in many settings.
Mindfulness techniques help teachers manage stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation. What is even more effective is when teachers are in community with other teachers who are devoted to mindfulness practices. I offer workshops that introduce teachers to mindfulness and guide them through simple exercises they can integrate into their daily routines. These practices not only benefit teachers but also create a more positive and calm classroom environment, ultimately benefiting students' well-being too.
As I reflect on my journey from teacher to therapist, I am filled with a profound sense of purpose. It's my hope that by supporting teachers' mental health and well-being, I can contribute to the greater goal of nurturing not only the minds but also the hearts of our future generations.
If you're a teacher seeking support or simply want to explore the world of mindfulness and mental health, know that you're not alone. Reach out to join our community of educators who are prioritizing their well-being and discovering the power of mindfulness.
In service to all the teachers out there - past, present, and future.
Petals and bristles,
–Jeremy Freeman
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