Faberge Egg

By Christina Winholt Raccuia

House of Fabergé (Russian, est. 1842). ‘Rose Trellis Egg,’ 1907. gold, enamel, diamonds. Walters Art Museum (44.501): Acquired by Henry Walters, 1930.

There are a few reasons I love being a psychotherapist. First, I find it to be a singular honor and privilege to play a part in the stories of my clients. Also, I cannot think of a more rewarding career, one that is designed solely to decrease suffering and improve quality of life. Finally, I celebrate those moments where I see hope in the eyes of a client, or a recognition of his or her own greatness, or a long-abandoned hearty laugh. There’s nothing I’d rather do with my life. I consider myself so lucky to do this job. 

Additionally, I often say that it’s “an honor” to do this work, but I’ll give an example. I feel amazed and humbled when a client says, “I’ve never told anyone this before, but…” At that moment, we enter sacred territory. The requisite trust and rapport have been built and now it’s time to take things to a level never before experienced. I treat whatever follows like a Faberge egg or a newborn baby, because that’s exactly what it is. Delicate, valuable, and an honor to hold. I essentially earn my living watching stories of strength and perseverance unfold before me. I get to join them and help them along the way as we share the obstacles and successes together. I’m honored.

That said, I have in the past year put more clients on medical leave than ever before and sitting with clients’ burnout I have often forgotten about my own lack of work life balance. 

The satisfaction of putting “Humpty Dumpty back together” can cloud my own personal needs and health. In addition, listening to my clients’ traumas diminishes my own obstacles. 

In the past month I have felt an overwhelming sense of guilt for saying “no” or needing to schedule clients biweekly instead of weekly.   

I and other psychotherapists need to treat ourselves like a Faberge egg or a newborn baby, because that’s exactly what we are….delicate, valuable, and an honor to hold.