Advocacy-Matters-Fall-2022

Get Help!
The best thing that occurred to me as a
result of my difficult situation was my decision
to start therapy. I utilized the resources
available to all Ontario lawyers
and law students through the Members
Assistance Program (similar programs
exist in all Canadian jurisdictions). I met
with a therapist who had extensive experience
working with high-performing,
overachieving, type ‘A’ lawyers. He understood
me almost immediately. Making
time for therapy allowed me the time
to consider what I liked about my career,
what I hated, and how best to build a
long and healthy career around those
goal posts. I recently spoke with a lawyer
who has seen a therapist for many years.
She is not in any sort of ongoing crisis.
She considers those appointments as
necessary as getting her hair cut or going
to the dentist. It is a time, once every
month, to check in on herself. I am adopting
the same practice.
I hope to use this regular column to
focus on mid-career advocates and our
mental health. I will be inviting guest columnists
to join in the discussion and allow
space to really focus on how we can
keep ourselves well. If you are interested
in contributing a column, feel free to
reach out to me. We can all get through
this “difficult stage” together.
Now Live! Friends Who Argue - TAS podcast is jointly hosted by
our Young Advocates and 10+ Standing Committees. Segments
feature dialogue with the people who get what you do, as we
delve into both the serious and lighthearted aspects of life as
an advocate in Canada. Know a TAS member we should talk
to? Contact Christopher Horkins at chorkins@cassels.com and
Karen Bernofsky at KarenB@stockwoods.ca
Friends Who Argue is sponsored by
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