Rediscovering Self-Worth

“I just wanted to share” started the text with the attached photo above.

I wanted to take a moment to share a heartwarming photo that was sent to me by a client earlier today. As a consultant clinical psychologist, it's moments like these that remind me of the incredible resilience and strength within individuals I have the privilege to work with.

Today, I find myself not feeling my best and having to cancel plans for afternoon tea with a friend. Feeling a bit sorry for myself, it was truly refreshing to receive this photo from my client during her pottery session. She is someone who always puts her daughters' needs first, as they are severely disabled. A few years ago, she made the difficult decision, along with her husband, to give up her successful creative career in order to provide the care their children require.

Navigating a challenging system, they found themselves facing tough choices. The cost of specialised child care would have been overwhelming, and their daughters didn't meet the criteria for subsidised support. Many families in similar situations can relate to these difficult decisions. I first met my client when her mental health was deteriorating under the overwhelming demands of her daughters' care, juggling the responsibilities from various professionals and waiting lists for interventions.

Her husband took on additional work to help cover the income loss, but it only added to the stress they were already facing. Their weekly interactions were scarce, and my client lost sight of her own identity. She once thrived in a successful career, graduating with a first and working in prestigious galleries and art magazines. Now, she found herself being labeled as a "housewife dependent on her husband's income."

She couldn't comprehend that she was still working tirelessly, wearing multiple hats, and yet not receiving any time off or financial compensation. The thought of sharing her circumstances with others embarrassed her, making her believe that her low mood and lack of agency were trivial. That's why this photo speaks volumes - it symbolises a milestone in her journey. For the first time in a long while, she took a moment to do something for herself, finding joy and pleasure without feeling selfish.

Dear client, I salute you for your incredible progress and for rediscovering your own worth and happiness. Your journey inspires me daily, and I'm grateful to have been a part of your growth.