Managing Therapist Burnout: Self-Care Strategies for Mental Health Professionals

Ever notice how many trees surround us? They always give us something or other, but what would happen if they refused to accept sunlight and water for themself? They will pass away gradually. This is the situation: therapists work in an emotionally demanding field that requires them to assist and empathise with their clients without expecting anything in return. They will eventually experience burnout if they do not take care of themselves and take breaks. This feeling of being emotionally, physically, and psychologically drained is known as burnout.

To continue helping others, you often need to refill your cup because you cannot pour from an empty one.

Causes of therapist burnout

There can be several causes for therapists feeling burnout including,

1. Too much workload: Working for too many hours with many clients without proper rest can be a reason for burnout.
2. Emotional fatigue: Mental health professionals work in an environment where it can get emotionally very demanding. Hearing about clients’ stories, seeing them vulnerable and giving them appropriate empathy and support can take a toll on the therapist leading to burnout.
3. Feeling that you are not making any progress: Some people make progress fast while some take a little more time. Seeing that clients are not making any progress and feeling that you are not helping them can also increase the feelings of burnout.
4. Vicarious trauma: Vicarious trauma refers to trauma experienced by therapists due to working with individuals who have suffered from traumatic events. Therapists are constantly exposed to traumatic stories which causes them secondary trauma which can cause burnout.
   Many other causes like underappreciation, not getting enough rest, unsatisfactory payments, and unpleasant work environments contribute to the burnout of the therapists.

Symptoms of burnout

Burnout affects the quality of work of the therapists and reduces the effectiveness of their treatment. It is important to notice the signs and take early action to avoid long-term issues caused by burnout. Some of the signs that you are feeling drained out are –

• Feeling burdened with the client’s trauma
• Feeling impatient
• Feeling relief when the client cancels the appointment
• Quickly finishing off the sessions
• Feeling frustrated
• Feeling exhausted physically
• Not being excited for the work
• Doubting career choice

Self-care strategies

Self-care will not only help you avoid burnout but also help you in increasing self–awareness, reduce the risk of professional impairment and increase the effectiveness of your work.

Here are some self-care strategies that therapists can practice –

Setting boundaries:

Being a therapist you might feel like you have to do everything you can do at all times. This mindset often leads to fatigue later on. It is important to understand that you cannot do it all, work is never-ending. You have to understand your capacity and set appropriate boundaries accordingly. For example – set time duration for each session and follow it. Tell your client at the beginning of the session about the duration of the session. This helps in proper time management and avoids exhaustion. It is important to keep in mind that giving your 100% for less duration is better than giving 50 or 60% for a longer period.

Read More: Empower Yourself: The Art of Setting Boundaries in Everyday Life

Take regular breaks

Breaks work as a charm when you are feeling overwhelmed with work. Being a therapist is not easy; hearing about a client’s trauma and being empathetic throughout can cause compassion fatigue after a while. Schedule time-to-time breaks, take a walk, practice yoga, or simply relax. Taking
breaks will ensure that you are mentally charged and ready to work.

Take care of your physical health

Mental health and physical health are old friends. Taking care of physical health is not just about exercising, it also includes eating healthy meals on time. Try and pay attention while eating, and avoid staring at the screen while eating. Try and follow a proper workout routine. Staying physically fit increases your focus and helps you stay active for a longer duration of time.

Read More: Exercise and Mental Health

Take time for yourself

All work and no play is unhealthy. While taking care of others therapists often forget to take out time for themselves. It’s essential to routinely participate in a variety of hobbies and activities apart from work. Activities like these help you take your mind off work and reduce work exhaustion. Pick up different hobbies like drawing, gardening, or dance which will help you spend your time with yourself, helping you better understand yourself.

Read More: Dance Therapy: Discover Yourself Through Movement

Build Meaningful Relationships

Having people in your life who support and motivate you in your personal development is essential. Spending time with your loved ones after a long, hectic day reduces stress and helps you relax and take your mind off work. Joining communities or social groups of mental health professionals can also prove to be helpful. Speaking with others who may be going through similar situations or experiences as you might help you feel more understood.

Ask for support whenever you need it

Just because someone is a doctor does not mean that he cannot fall ill. In a similar way being a therapist does not in any way mean that you are not allowed to ask for help. If you feel that you are struggling and might need someone to help you deal with it, do not hesitate to seek help. It is said, every therapist needs a therapist.

Conclusion

“Put your own oxygen mask first before helping others” is a common announcement that is heard in aeroplanes. It is similar to the therapists; you need to take care of yourself first to help others. Taking care of your needs can often feel selfish to mental health practitioners but it is a necessity. This self-care is what helps in recharging you and makes the sessions more effective for the clients. Taking enough breaks, engaging in hobbies, spending time with your loved ones, exercising, eating healthy food, setting healthy boundaries, learning to say no are the things that will
help you in the long run, reducing your risk of burnout.

Read More: 10 Mood Boosters that are Absolutely Free

FAQs

What are some of the causes of therapist burnout?

Therapists work in an emotionally taxing environment; they are at higher risk of feeling burnout. Some of the causes of burnout include excessive workload, vicarious trauma, feeling that you are not doing enough, underappreciation of work, unsatisfactory payments, toxic work environment, etc.

What are the signs that you are feeling burnout?

Feeling burdened with a client’s trauma, getting impatient, feeling relief when the client cancels the appointment, getting frustrated, not being excited about work, feeling unwell physically, losing interest in your work, questioning your career choice, etc. are some of the signs that could mean that you are feeling burnout.

How do self–care strategies help?

Self-care strategies like taking regular breaks, engaging in activities you like from time to time, spending time with your loved ones, setting healthy boundaries for your work, trying to maintain work – a work-life balance, etc. will not only help you avoid the risk of feeling burnout but also assist you in increasing self – awareness, avoiding professional impairment and increase the effectiveness of your work.