Working as a Counsellor With a Chronic Condition – Olivia Djouadi & Kel O’Neill

In more recent years, more has been spoken about in working with clients with a chronic condition around accessibility and what it may be like for those living with a condition. Less spoken about is what about if the clinician is the one with a chronic condition. As a person with type 1 diabetes, which means daily injections and blood tests, I didn’t have guidance on how to manage my own health when working with clients. Is it ok to tell them? Can I get insurance? What to do on sick days that might occur at the last minute, so lots to think about on this topic. A chronic condition may be medical like diabetes, psychological such as depression, or having a different way of processing information like with dyslexia or autism.

Some comments I heard in the past made me feel dismissed such as saying ‘counsellors should be in good health’ which is very unclear. I have good health, however, as I’m on medication and have medical input, others may not see good health. I discussed how one might manage and what additional areas of importance are there for those juggling clinical work and health.