Healing the Caretaker by Toby Quinn

Who is the caretaker? At first glance most people would probably identify the characteristics of a caretaker as positive. In fact, many caretakers find it hard to change their patterns of care taking because of how much positive attention they get for their constant attention to other people’s needs. On the surface caretakers are caregivers; those who give care. But in reality a caretaker takes from another the opportunity to learn to care for themselves. More on this later. Caretakers may be and often are sensitive, compassionate, empathic, deep feelers, problem solvers, good listeners and intuitive. Caretakers often value these qualities in themselves, but more often in others and come to rely on the praise and acknowledgment from friends, family and colleagues for being such ‘strong, selfless people.’ In addition to care taking family and friends they may be drawn to professional work in the areas of counseling, social work or social and environmental activism. Basically, they feel the noble call to help others.

So why would a person such as this need healing? The answer is that the deeper and often subconscious motiva