When I was in primary school, I was in the athletic team. My forte was the 100-m sprinting event - I was never able to sprint for more than that distance. I am always amazed at how some people had the energy to run at top speed for 200-m or even 400-m! I am not well-versed in sports at all and if you have been following my previous posts, you would have noticed that I have recently started long distance running.
Anyhow, another sporting event I participated then was the 4 x 100-m relay race. I recall that the runner who is to receive the baton will start to run when the runner with the baton is nearing - the preparation to receive the baton and to continue the race is extremely crucial. No time can be wasted during the transition period and the baton cannot be dropped!
I was back in the office for two days this week and I identified the cases to be transferred. I feel as if I am passing the "baton" to another "runner". I do not have control over the "performance" of that runner but I can try to ensure that the "baton" is passed in the most effective way possible.
The next counsellor has yet to be identified for most of the cases so there is no way of preparing him or her. I may not be able to brief my colleagues about the cases. All I can do is to fill up the transfer documents with as much information as possible. For cases which I have seen for some time, they are easier for me to complete the form-filling exercise. For the others, there is very little I can write about because I have not seen the client for many sessions to get a sense of what may be helpful for him.
If I can, I try to suggest specific counsellors to take over certain cases. I can only hope for a good match for the counsellor-client pair. I cannot predict the outcome. The most I can do is to ensure that I do my best to provide the next counsellor with as much information as possible - to pass the baton well.
Once each case file leaves my hands, I have to "let go". To let go of feeling responsible for the outcome of the case; to let go of wanting to know how the client is faring. Holding on will do me no good. I will feel burdened in many different ways.
"Think about any attachments that are depleting your emotional reserves. Consider letting them go. - Oprah Winfrey"
