{"id":107,"date":"2017-08-09T17:05:30","date_gmt":"2017-08-09T21:05:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/trestlewoodcounseling.com\/?p=107"},"modified":"2017-08-09T17:05:30","modified_gmt":"2017-08-09T21:05:30","slug":"compassion-and-boundaries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trestlewoodcounseling.com\/index.php\/2017\/08\/09\/compassion-and-boundaries\/","title":{"rendered":"Compassion and Boundaries"},"content":{"rendered":"

Erin Arwady, LMSW<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cCompassionate people ask for what they need. They say no when they need to, and when they say yes they mean it. They\u2019re compassionate because their boundaries keep them out of resentment.’ \u2013 Brene Brown, Rising Strong<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

When I read this quote a few months ago, it blew my mind. As a social worker and helping professional in the field for about 15 years, I\u2019ve always discussed and understood the importance of boundaries on some level. But I certainly never thought of them as \u201ccompassionate.\u201d The word boundary carries with it a certain connotation. I\u2019ve always associated it with saying \u201cNO\u201d and with having some underlying meaning of guilt. My work is based on building relationships with my clients and their families, and to a degree, the success of therapy can hinge upon the depth and intimacy of those relationships. Thus, boundaries are incredibly important but also challenging to navigate. My ability to set boundaries, to be direct and ask for what I need for myself and my clients, and to mean with integrity when I say yes and no, are directly related to the quality of service I provide my clients and their families. At times setting those boundaries does not feel good or at all compassionate, and yet is incredibly vital to providing help for many people. So be compassionate today – say yes or no and mean it and ask for what you need.<\/p>\n