As a Professional, I Don’t Need to Worry About Self-Care

Abstract

All mental health professionals are at risk for developing symptoms of burnout and other stress-related difficulties over time. The practice of mental health can be very challenging and demanding. Mental health clinicians bring with them their own histories of emotional vulnerabilities, and they experience challenges and difficulties in their personal lives. These factors can combine to place mental health clinicians at risk for experiencing problems with professional competence and judgment. This chapter explains these challenges and risks as well as the role ongoing self-care can play to prevent these difficulties. Self-care is explained, and examples are provided to illustrate the range of actions one may take to maintain ongoing wellness and competence. Risk factors and blind spots are highlighted, potential pitfalls to avoid are reviewed, and recommendations for addressing these proactively are provided.