Therapist self-care is a topic that is widely discussed and always noted as something that’s important for your wellbeing, but not something many engage in as much as they should. While most therapists have knowledge about self-care and articulate its importance to clients and others, it’s also important that therapists practice what they preach!
Everyone should engage in self care when they can. No matter what your job or responsibilities look like, there are times when you begin to feel overwhelmed, overstressed and burned out. A therapist is no different and it’s very easy for them to experience burnout too.
Burnout has three components: emotional exhaustion, feeling disconnected or detached from one’s body and thoughts, and a decreased sense of accomplishment. Therapists may experience varying amounts of each at different times during their career. That’s why it’s vital that therapists are self-aware and monitor themselves for these signs of burnout, and to engage in self-care whenever possible.
So how do therapists engage in self-care?
By doing exactly what we tell our clients: Make time for yourself!
Here are some therapist self-care tips on how to do just that:
- Make a consistent plan to engage in mentally, emotionally, and physically enjoyable activities.
- Take those regularly scheduled breaks and don’t bring work along.
- Sign out of your emails after your day is done.
- Explore hobbies and interests unrelated to work.
- Exercise regularly and eat throughout the day.
- Limit your work hours and caseload.
- Participate in peer support, clinical supervision, and your own therapy.
- Say NO when you need to.
- Don’t isolate yourself; take care of the relationships in your life.
- Watch for signs of burnout.
- Get some rest. Have a bedtime routine.
Remember: You are human. It’s okay to feel tired and to let yourself engage in therapist self-care. Nobody is perfect. You are allowed to have limits.
It’s never too late to begin these important self care habits. The opposite of self care is self neglect and you deserve to be treated with respect – even from yourself.
You can’t help others if you aren’t helping yourself!
“Self-care is how you can take your power back.” – Lalah Delia, Writer
