We’re in an age of real enlightenment now.

As human beings, we are evolving from Homo Sapiens to Homo Luminous. We are just beginning to awaken to our innate connection to Spirit, and to the luminous energy field that surrounds all living things.

This connection has become cloudy during the course of our individual lives, but also in society as a whole. What this shift means for most people is that we are also in a period of great uncertainty. If you are already working with clients in any capacity—as an energy worker, therapist, yoga instructor, shamanic practitioner, coach, or some other healing profession—you’ve probably seen a lot of folks coming in with complaints of feeling stressed, burned out, stuck, or who have even become physically affected by their emotional states.

Healers are needed now more than ever.

You probably already know this on some level, consciously or unconsciously, which is why you felt moved to work in a healing profession in the first place. Because of so much uncertainty in the world, yes, healers are needed, but we are also more vulnerable to other people’s energies.

When you’re dealing with energy work, or transpersonal therapies, you already know that there is some energetic transference between client and practitioner. But as our cultures begin to open to this great awakening on a cosmic level that we are experiencing now—as we evolve from Homo sapiens to Homo luminous—we’re beginning to truly comprehend both cerebrally and energetically that all beings are interconnected.

Because of this open exchange of energies between you and your client, you’re more vulnerable to taking on their pain in one form or another. If you are an empath on top of that, you’re even more susceptible!

Add introversion into the mix. Now we’re really screwed, right?

As you know, to be introverted does not mean to be shy.

When issues arise in our lives, we go inward to address them. We are also more are selective about the company we keep, and need more solitary recharging time than most people. Sometimes these traits can cause an internal conflict when meeting with clients.

However, as introvert healers, those same traits can make us very powerful. Here’s why: in our down time, in our solitude, we are better able to process the inner workings of beings in the world and of the universe. Still there’s this double battle that we’re waging.

On one hand, we want to be available to our clients, open, giving, while on the other hand, we also need that solitude and recharging time, in order to truly give of ourselves in a full way.

But we also have to be careful of giving too much.

As introverts, because we need more down time, there may be a little guilt factor that kicks in and says we’ve been selfish. So, we often overcompensate for our atypical need for solitude by opening ourselves too deeply or giving too much or taking on too much.

And if that weren’t bad enough, it’s that same “you’re being selfish” voice that adds additional pressure to compare ourselves with other healers out there. Perhaps the ones who come off as perpetually centered. Or “out there” just enough to make connections, but seemingly at peace at all times.

You probably know someone like this already that you compare yourself to in your own practice. There’s this need to fit into the world of healers, right? If we don’t, then often the question arises, “What am I really doing to help?”

A great way to cut through all the doubt is to redefine your terms.

When I started teaching writing and meditation workshops, the introvert in me always kicked in an hour before the classes, secretly praying for a hurricane or snowstorm or some incredible act of God that would make me have to cancel the class. How much nicer it would be to just take off my “outside world clothes,” get into my bathrobe, and curl up in front of a “Doctor Who” marathon! Interestingly, once I got to class, I was fine. I had a blast. I was doing what I loved.

But once I began seeing individual clients in my practice, the dread really kicked in.

I felt totally responsible for each client’s happiness. A beginner’s mistake, I know. But I was nearly physically ill every time I had to see a client. I kept imagining that each client could secretly tell I’d really rather be in at home, surrounded by my safe, personal energy. And even though I was able to do my work of helping those people, they probably could. Something had to change. I knew my desire to help and my desire to be true to myself both had to be honored.

So I dismantled my practice and redefined it. I started by looking at my titles: Life Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Writing Teacher. As defined by the rest of the world, not one of those titles jived with my deepest soul. So, I redefined them, based on my soul’s passions and life experience. I told myself that I would never be a “title” again. I made a vow that I would only ever bring to my clients that which I truly am. And the clients who connected with me would be the right ones for me…and I would be the right guide for them.

I’m living the life that I need to live in order to feel whole. I do a lot of things—writing, coaching, teaching—because they all thrill me and fulfill me.

I made a promise to myself that I would always honor all of who I am, even if it doesn’t jive with traditional roles or expectations. Despite all the different fields I work in, I don’t burn out because I love what I do. And I have no desire to retire.

I know that if you are an introverted healer, you can bring your perfectly unique self to your practice. In fact, there’s no other way to do it. There are people out there who need healing, but they also need you to be exactly who you are when you do your good work.

Only you can bring your personal experiences, strengths, and views of the world to your sessions. And when you trust your authentic self to run your practice, you will inspire clients live their own full and vibrant lives.

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Editor: Catherine Monkman

Photo: Larry Lamsa/Flickr, Helga Weber/Flickr