When international speaker, author, clinical supervisor, group practice owner (Ichoosemecounseling.com) and Certified Sleep Science Coach LaShasta Bell LPC-S of League City, Texas (lashastabell.com) spoke at the 2023 Group Practice Summit, we learned that self-care is not just a buzzword. This successful business owner taught attendees that rest is a fundamental aspect of our well-being. In this episode of TCCBB you'll hear LaShasta teach us why self-care is critical for counselors.
TCCBB #35 LaShasta Bell LPC-S Teaches How to Transform Your Life and Business with Better Sleep and Self-Care Habits
LaShasta Bell LPC-S talks about how counselors view and practice self-care
Self-care an important topic because as counselors, we're constantly giving our energy and support to others, but we need to take care of ourselves too.
Counselors understand that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury but a necessity. We know that if we neglect our own well-being, we can't effectively support our clients. It's about intentionally carving out time and space for ourselves, both personally and professionally. We recognize the importance of setting boundaries, managing stress, and preventing burnout.
Self-care is not selfish; it's a way to recharge, replenish, and stay grounded. By practicing self-care, we can bring our best selves to the counseling room, fully present and capable of making a positive impact.
While counselors know these things, they are often not the best at practicing good self care.
Why is self-care important as a therapist?
Self-care is a topic counselors can't afford to overlook because our work can be emotionally demanding and draining at times.
Self-care allows us to replenish our energy, maintain our mental and emotional well-being, and prevent burnout. By taking care of ourselves, we can show up fully for our clients and provide the best support possible. It's like the oxygen mask on the plane analogy – we need to put our own mask on first before assisting others.
Prioritizing self-care helps us stay balanced, maintain healthy boundaries, and sustain our passion for the work we do. We need to embrace self-care as an integral part of our professional journey and ensure that we nurture ourselves while nurturing others.
We've all heard of therapist burnout. Burnout is more than just feeling tired or stressed. It's a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that results from prolonged exposure to the demands of our work. As therapists, we give so much of ourselves to support others, but when we neglect our own needs and well-being, burnout can creep in.
Symptoms may include feelings of cynicism, detachment, decreased effectiveness, and a loss of passion for our work. It's like hitting a wall where we feel drained and overwhelmed. Recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial because it allows us to take proactive steps to prevent and address it.
What are examples of self-care in counseling?
Self-care can take various forms, depending on what resonates with each individual. Some examples include:
- engaging in regular therapy or supervision to process our own experiences
- practicing mindfulness or meditation to center ourselves
- setting boundaries with clients to protect our energy
- pursuing hobbies or creative outlets that bring us joy
- exercising to stay physically healthy
- spending quality time with loved ones
- taking breaks or vacations to recharge
The key is to find activities that nourish and replenish us, allowing us to show up fully for our clients and avoid counselor burnout.
Self-care is not selfish; it's a necessary part of our professional journey. Our profession is one that demands empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of human emotions. As LaShasta Bell reminded us, self-care is all about recognizing that we can't pour from an empty cup and that our own mental, emotional, and physical health matters. So let's embrace self-care practices that resonate with us and prioritize our well-being as we continue to make a difference in the lives of others.
Blog post by Kate Walker Ph.D. LPC/LMFT Supervisor in Texas
