From Burnout to Balance: How I Learned to Manage the Demands of My Job as a Therapist
As therapists, it's common to become absorbed in the demands of our job. We strive to help our clients to the best of our abilities, but often forget to take care of ourselves in the process.
Unfortunately, this can lead to burnout, a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. In this article, I will share how I overcame burnout and learned to manage the demands of my job while maintaining my own mental health and wellbeing.
Recognising that something needed to change, I learned that taking care of myself was essential to being an effective therapist. Here are some of the strategies I used to manage burnout and find balance:
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Prioritise self-care: I realised that I needed to prioritise my own mental and physical health in order to be able to help others. I started exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and scheduling regular therapy sessions to address the demands of the job.
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Set boundaries: I learned to set boundaries with clients and coworkers to avoid taking on too much. I also made sure to schedule breaks throughout the day to recharge.
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Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment, can help reduce stress and promote emotional wellbeing. I incorporated mindfulness techniques into my daily routine, such as taking deep breaths or going for a walk during a break.
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Seek support: I found support from colleagues and mentors. I learned early on that it was okay to ask for help and that seeking support was a sign of strength, not weakness.
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Practice self-compassion: I realised that I needed to be kind and compassionate towards myself just as I was with my clients. I learned to acknowledge my own limitations and mistakes without judgment. Practicing what I preached.
It's important to recognise that burnout is a common experience for therapists and other helping professionals. The demands of the job can be overwhelming, and it's easy to neglect our own needs in the process. However, by prioritising self-care, setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, seeking support, and practicing self-compassion, we can prevent burnout and find balance in our work and personal lives.
In conclusion, burnout is a serious issue for therapists and other helping professionals. However, by learning to manage the demands of the job and prioritise self-care, we can prevent burnout and find balance in our lives. It's essential that we take care of ourselves, so that we can be effective in helping others. If you're experiencing burnout, reach out for support from colleagues, mentors, or a therapist. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and taking care of yourself is essential to being a successful therapist.
