E220: Navigating the Emotional Complexities of Caregiving with Dr. JJ Kelly
Caregiving is a journey filled with emotional complexities, and managing these emotions effectively is crucial for both the caregiver and the person receiving care. In the latest episode of the Caregiver Cup podcast, Dr. JJ Kelly, a clinical psychologist and emotional intelligence expert, provides invaluable insights into navigating the emotional landscape of caregiving. From understanding intense feelings of anger, resentment, guilt, and fear, to practical strategies for self-care, this episode is packed with essential information for caregivers.
One of the main topics discussed in this episode is the importance of understanding and validating personal feelings. Caregivers, particularly women, often experience a range of intense emotions, including anger and resentment. Dr. Kelly emphasizes that these feelings are normal and should not be suppressed. Instead, acknowledging and validating these emotions can help caregivers manage the emotional toll more effectively. Dr. Kelly shares her journey from traditional psychotherapy to founding Unorthodox Incorporated, where she focuses on teaching emotional intelligence skills through more accessible and affordable eight-week courses. This approach highlights the systemic issues within traditional therapy and the benefits of learning skills to manage emotions independently.
Self-care is another critical aspect discussed in the podcast. Caregivers often neglect their own needs, leading to burnout and decreased ability to care for others. Dr. Kelly provides practical strategies for self-care, such as journaling, visual representations, and alternative therapies like reiki and acupuncture. These practices can help caregivers address underlying stress rather than just symptoms, promoting overall well-being. Personal experiences with digestive issues due to caregiving stress and the benefits of bodywork are shared, encouraging caregivers to seek holistic approaches to maintain their health.
The episode also explores...
E49: How Do You Stay Motivated and Keep Your Energy Level Up?
In today’s episode, I am sharing a clip from a live session I did in May with The Caregiver Cup Community Facebook Group. We go live each Wednesday in this group. Some Wednesday are mini trainings, some are just connecting and others are Q&As.
In May, I asked the community to submit questions. Here are the questions:
- How do you stay motivated and keep your energy level up?
- What are your top 3 self-care tips?
- I feel angry and resentful all the time. How do I overcome this?
In this episode, I reference these two FREE resources:
Thank you for listening. If you know of another caregiver who could benefit from
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