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5. Working with ATSI workers

Aboriginal Workers are able to provide a service to a diverse range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait people.

Because of our own experiences we are able to relate to our people as we continue to fight in the struggle.

As our clients we are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders, some of mixed cultures, some raised with our own people on our traditional land, some lived on missions, some from the 'stolen generation' and some have grown up and have been displaced in urban environments. But we are family.

Therapists, counselors, health care workers, educators, other professionals and workers who work closely with A TSI people are especially vulnerable to the effects of stress in some work environments that requires us to more in less time and with limited culturally appropriate resources.

In doing this work we sometimes struggle with our own issues and our own healing. At times it becomes over-whelming.

Debriefing is important and regular counseling is a must. We cannot continue to deal with the issues on a day to day basics without experiencing burn out.