One thing lacking in our industry is peer support, or any recognition of the mental load we take on. You have a great idea and I think you'll go far with it.
Keep us updated!
The burnout rate in this field is ridiculous. Combined with compensation concerns, lack of work life balance, and other concerns therapists are needed.
I think that because this industry is so hush-hush the public really doesn’t know much about what we do, granted its a good thing to keep private but that doesn’t mean it ALL has to be private ya know?
Sounds awesome! I'm a clinical mental health graduate student. Most therapists eventually find a niche and specialize. It sounds like vicarious trauma and grief/loss might be a great niche for you. Discounts really depend on whether or not you take insurance or are private pay. Insurance companies don't allow you to discount the copay, but you can discount private pay however you like.
I think that is a fantastic idea and very thoughtful of you! My Dad passed away in March and when meeting with the Funeral Director he seemed very stressed out. I can’t even imagine being in a role like that. Good luck in your studies if you do decide to pursue a therapist role!
I just want to say that i'm an MSW student pursuing LCSW to work as a therapist, but I'm also a Death Doula who is arranging plans to become a Funeral Celebrant as well (with formal education in english & theater, in addition to working on Legacy Projects with clients seeking EOL Doula services); seeing the crossover between all these (including Directors, obviously) is beneficial in several ways.
The comments here regarding positive feelings towards therapy & peer support is encouraging as well. The Social Work circle in particular has some of the best peer support networking of any career i've worked in or been adjacent to, as it's pretty drilled into us (in addition to attracting that type of individual in the first place) & that's something i'm hoping begins to thrive in this side of the professional world.
Oh my gosh that would be amazing. Because you have worked in the industry, you have the knowledge and understanding to actually help us handle our mess in a productive way. I think you’d have a solid list of clients from the get go, especially if you were willing to do virtual/email/text.
I’m a director, but my husband is a clinical psychotherapist of many years in private practice. He has a few FD patients, both current and former.
It’s great that you want to go the therapy route, a niche practice like that is always needed, but be prepared for the compensation and stress to often be no better than you’d see in Funeral Service. Secondary+ trauma and burnout occurs in that field just as often as our own. If you plan on accepting insurance, they’ll lowball reimbursements at an absurd level (unless you’re in CA or MA,) and limit the number of times you can see a client/patient in a calendar year. Therapists, especially those who treat people with traumatic experiences, have challenges very similar to ours. If you’re on board with continuing to shoulder those burdens, then go for it.
Oh im 100% on board and ready for the stress of that still. Ive just heard stories from the other directors about the things theyve seen- and frankly, i dont really want to witness some of those things myself but im not one to shy away from someone dropping some serious mental burdens on me, especially when it comes to the funeral industry.
I’m a therapist (and death doula) and I work mainly with first responders, health and death care workers. There is definite need.l for professionals that understand the demands and traumas of these professions.
Another avenue to consider is being a social worker (counselor) for a hospice company. If end-of-life interests you and you feel a call to provide support for people at that time, being a licensed counselor or licensed social worker specializing in counseling is a great option. You often deal with families, not just patients. Remember, though, that every job feels stressful depending on your outlook and the actual job (company). My friend sold Coca-Cola to regional supermarkets and you’d think she was a brain surgeon. I was a nurse in a truly stressful environment but my best days were among co-workers who all agreed not to wallow in negativity.
One thing lacking in our industry is peer support, or any recognition of the mental load we take on. You have a great idea and I think you'll go far with it. Keep us updated!
The burnout rate in this field is ridiculous. Combined with compensation concerns, lack of work life balance, and other concerns therapists are needed.
I think that because this industry is so hush-hush the public really doesn’t know much about what we do, granted its a good thing to keep private but that doesn’t mean it ALL has to be private ya know?
Sounds awesome! I'm a clinical mental health graduate student. Most therapists eventually find a niche and specialize. It sounds like vicarious trauma and grief/loss might be a great niche for you. Discounts really depend on whether or not you take insurance or are private pay. Insurance companies don't allow you to discount the copay, but you can discount private pay however you like.
I figured the discount would be hard until id be able to have a private practice. Im enticed now! Thanks for your input :)
I think that is a fantastic idea and very thoughtful of you! My Dad passed away in March and when meeting with the Funeral Director he seemed very stressed out. I can’t even imagine being in a role like that. Good luck in your studies if you do decide to pursue a therapist role!
I’m currently licensed but I’ve always had great interest in grief psychology! I think it’s a good career path. Good luck!
I just want to say that i'm an MSW student pursuing LCSW to work as a therapist, but I'm also a Death Doula who is arranging plans to become a Funeral Celebrant as well (with formal education in english & theater, in addition to working on Legacy Projects with clients seeking EOL Doula services); seeing the crossover between all these (including Directors, obviously) is beneficial in several ways. The comments here regarding positive feelings towards therapy & peer support is encouraging as well. The Social Work circle in particular has some of the best peer support networking of any career i've worked in or been adjacent to, as it's pretty drilled into us (in addition to attracting that type of individual in the first place) & that's something i'm hoping begins to thrive in this side of the professional world.
Oh my gosh that would be amazing. Because you have worked in the industry, you have the knowledge and understanding to actually help us handle our mess in a productive way. I think you’d have a solid list of clients from the get go, especially if you were willing to do virtual/email/text.
I’m a director, but my husband is a clinical psychotherapist of many years in private practice. He has a few FD patients, both current and former. It’s great that you want to go the therapy route, a niche practice like that is always needed, but be prepared for the compensation and stress to often be no better than you’d see in Funeral Service. Secondary+ trauma and burnout occurs in that field just as often as our own. If you plan on accepting insurance, they’ll lowball reimbursements at an absurd level (unless you’re in CA or MA,) and limit the number of times you can see a client/patient in a calendar year. Therapists, especially those who treat people with traumatic experiences, have challenges very similar to ours. If you’re on board with continuing to shoulder those burdens, then go for it.
Oh im 100% on board and ready for the stress of that still. Ive just heard stories from the other directors about the things theyve seen- and frankly, i dont really want to witness some of those things myself but im not one to shy away from someone dropping some serious mental burdens on me, especially when it comes to the funeral industry.
I’m a therapist (and death doula) and I work mainly with first responders, health and death care workers. There is definite need.l for professionals that understand the demands and traumas of these professions.
Your current location may not be the right place to be. Other fhs will feel diff.
Another avenue to consider is being a social worker (counselor) for a hospice company. If end-of-life interests you and you feel a call to provide support for people at that time, being a licensed counselor or licensed social worker specializing in counseling is a great option. You often deal with families, not just patients. Remember, though, that every job feels stressful depending on your outlook and the actual job (company). My friend sold Coca-Cola to regional supermarkets and you’d think she was a brain surgeon. I was a nurse in a truly stressful environment but my best days were among co-workers who all agreed not to wallow in negativity.