[eeza]

One of the mental health clinicians at my site offers his ear to the teachers because he knows that they have a lot going on as teachers and may need a safe place to express themselves. I think it's kind of him to offer this, but I can see it stepping over a line at some point.

Do you offer yourself as a mental health provider to your staff?

[GraceKrispy]

That's a great question! I remember in grad school this very topic was discussed. We were warned against acting as counselors for our colleagues. Part of it was burnout, part of is was crossing the line (and us being privy to too much information that wasn't appropriate/hearing teacher gripe to us about other teachers, etc). That being said, I became the default teacher counselor anyway. I didn't mind, but I had to be careful to draw my boundaries. The problem is, I'm always interested in other people's problems/issues! But I knew myself, and boundaries were really important for me.

So no, I never offered myself for that purpose, but I still got used that way.

[eeza]

I have not been the default counselor per se. I do notice that some people come to me to vent, but if it ever got too personal, I would stop them unless they were a good friend.

The mental health clinician at my site told me I could talk to him if I needed to, but I told him no. I don't want to cross that line. That's what I have a therapist for!

[cardnialteach]

Teachers often come to me to vent, but I do not offer them any mental health services. I feel that is beyond my training, that is what a LPC is for.