It  is often the case that positions of leadership and social service  require that helpers take on a heavy burden as they assist others in  working through their challenges.  The recent COVID public health crisis  is a good example of the kinds of fears, stresses, and trauma that lie  beneath the surface and emerge during challenging times. 
For  many of us who aim to be helpers, one of the important steps of  training is psychologically preparing ourselves to be able to receive  and hold the emotional weight that patients, clients, followers, and  mentees bring to us in times of need…  all while not becoming  overwhelmed.
Each  of you may have found yourself working through similar hard times, and  in the process perhaps reflecting on your own personal life challenges.   With that in mind, the discussion questions are:
1.  Do you think that future Helpers and Counselors should first be  required to get counseling/self-help before working with others?
2.  What are the potential drawbacks of getting into the practice of  psychology without first having done your own psychological “work”?
3.  Do you think social media influencers in the “self help” space are  beneficial or detrimental to promoting good mental health practice?
4.  Can you think of any other important self-development tools besides  traditional therapy that might help you get ready for the professional  role of helping others?