22: Caregiving with Susan Alexander

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In this episode Susan Alexander, a registered psychotherapist and Kristen's cousin discuss Caregiving. They discuss Susan's journey into psychotherapy, starting from her personal experience with therapy at 18 after a high school betrayal. Susan's career began in massage therapy, where she noticed clients opening up about stress and anxiety. Her interest in psychotherapy deepened after her son was diagnosed with leukemia, leading her to connect with professionals in the field during his treatment.

 

The conversation shifts to caregiving, highlighting the challenges faced by the "sandwich generation" managing care for both children and aging parents. Susan emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing caregiver burnout, which can manifest as exhaustion and stress. She shares strategies for setting healthy boundaries and the significance of self-awareness in preventing burnout. Mindfulness techniques, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise, are suggested as methods to manage stress and stay present.

 

Kristen and Susan discuss the societal pressures on women to balance caregiving and other responsibilities, often resulting in guilt. They stress the importance of communication and self-compassion, encouraging women to ask for help and prioritize their well-being. Susan mentions the benefits of seeking psychotherapy and support networks, particularly in times of caregiving challenges. The podcast also touches on self-talk and reframing thoughts towards self-compassion and kindness. Susan concludes by sharing her theme song, "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen, as a representation of her journey, symbolizing hope and resilience.