importance of self-care

Self-care is an important aspect to preventing burnout among mental health clinicians because it works to maintain mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This is essential for therapist because they often face compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma caused by the intense emotional labor they are exposed to through client interactions. Practicing self-care allows therapists to remain grounded, present, empathetic for their clients. Self-care can also help to prevent professional impairment, which is an ethical responsibility for therapist do to take measures to avoid.

SElf care includes

PHYSICAL

This means taking care of one’s physical health and wellbeing.

  • Take movement breaks throughout the day

  • Pack healthy meals for lunch / snacks and stay hydrated

  • Prioritize 7-8 hours of sleep each time

  • Take time off

  • Take vacations

  • Turn off cellphone for “me” time

SPIRITUAL

  • Go into nature

  • Find a spiritual community

  • Yoga

  • Listen to music

  • Watch sunsets or sunrises

PSYCHOLOGICAL

  • Self-reflection

  • Seeking personal therapy

  • Read self-help books

  • Join a support group

PERSONAL

This means learning about what you want out of your life. Taking intentional, proactive steps to improve and maintain physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. This could include:

  • Plan short and long-term goals

  • Make a vision board

  • Foster friendships and lean on these social suports

  • Spend time with family

  • Cook

EMOTIONAL

This is the intentional practice of nurturing, process, and understanding your feelings. By becoming aware of your feelings it can help to improve mental well-being and resilience. This might include:

  • Journaling

  • Affirmations

  • Find a hobby you enjoy

PROFESSIONAL

This means set boundaries, intentional habits, and systems to maintain ones’s well-being within the workplace and maintain a sustainable work life. This could include:

  • Set boundaries around work communication such as email

  • Set a maximum number of clients per day

  • Leave a few minute break in-between clients to decompress, process emotions, and for note taking

  • Don’t work overtime

  • Seek regular supervision

Self care techniques

Mediate

Go for a walk / spend time outside / exercise

Journal

Be creative

Schedule regular breaks

Identify enjoyable activities or hobbies

Set professional boundaries