This document discusses the importance of self-care for professionals, especially during the pandemic. It notes that lack of self-care can lead to burnout, which stems from job stress and impacts client outcomes. Technology is cited as a major source of burnout, as it can blur work-life boundaries and increase a sense of isolation. The document recommends practicing personal replenishment through therapy, spiritual activities, exercise and social connection. It also suggests utilizing clinical supervision, consulting peers, and focusing on finding joy in one's work to implement self-care and prevent burnout.

1. EXTRAORDINARY SELF
CARE FOR
EXTRAORDINARY
TIMES

2. Why self care
◦ Allows us to be effective in our work
◦ Prevents burn out
◦ Promotes our own recovery, lowers stress, increases personal happiness and well-
being

3. Pandemic fatigue
◦ Creates an environment to minimize self care
◦ Self help groups meeting virtually or not at all
◦ Usual self care activities such as gyms, massage therapists, yoga studios are
operating on limited schedule if at all

4. Burnout
• Burnout is the result of job stress stemming from the numerous emotional hazards of the
profession.
• It is not reserved for the seasoned-older therapists; it can strike therapists earlier in their careers as
well.
• It manifests primarily as emotional exhaustion, “emotional fatigue” or “emotional overload.”
• This can lead to depersonalization (of patients and self) which manifests through general dislike,
and a detached, dehumanized – attitude towards clients, who are perceived as energy drains or
stressors.

5. Most frequently identified source of burnout for
professionals?
◦ Technology including EMR

6. Technology stressors
◦ EMR
◦ Too much access to work and from work
◦ Technology “leash”
◦ Self care in the face of technology becomes a heightened issue

7. Other causes
Technology is followed by :
• Loss of control
• Isolation – which can be increased by technology usage … oh, and a pandemic…
• Values conflict with the organization

8. What are the ethics of preventing burnout?
◦ Technology creates easily blurred boundaries
◦ Phones, email to phone access, texting –
◦ work/life balance becomes harder to keep separate
◦ What is our obligation to clients/our work to maintain emotional health

9. Ethics of self care
◦ Counselor well-being directly impacts client outcomes- lots of research in
medical field to support this among physicians, research being replicated to
other disciplines such as mental health/SA
◦ As client outcomes are impacted, self care becomes more of an ethical issue

10. Self care
◦ “Imperturbable Expectation”
Always be steady, calm, non-reactive in face of sometimes very difficult client
stories and situations
◦ Leads to emotional exhaustion
◦ Depersonalization (my 11:00 borderline; my opioid addict, etc.)
◦ Sense of low self accomplishment
More technology can increase our sense of detachment and isolation in our work

11. Self care
◦ Important to observe technology blackout times
◦ Use Clinical Supervision to discuss work/life balance
◦ Interesting research in medical filed on the concept of Joy in Practice – lots of
research about burnout among medical providers- finding joy in practice helps
recover from, and prevent burnout

12. Prevention
• Practice Personal Replenishment . This can include therapy for you, spiritual practice, exercise, sleep, and time with
loved ones. Enjoy your life in a way that is sustainable. Everyone needs regular downtime and restoration – especially those
in the helping professions. Take time to remember who you are and meet your own needs. Connect with others when you
are not in the therapist role. Take time to do things you enjoy.
• Consult and Get Peer Support. Rather than struggle with difficult cases on your own, seek consultation from experts or
colleagues. Ongoing peer support and consultation can be very helpful in preventing burnout.
• Belong to a Professional Organization. As a member, you can meet with colleagues, network and you will also receive
their monthly publication. This can help foster a sense of community, and keep you involved with professional updates.
Finding out early about ethical and legal developments in the field is important.
• Practice Ethical Risk Management: Continue to update yourself on changing laws and ethical guidelines. Stay flexible
and open; follow good, but not rigid risk management practices. Especially in difficult and stressful cases, seek consultation
and extra documentation.
• Make Time for Family and Friends. If you can’t see people in person right now, schedule Zoom or Facetime gatherings

13. Joy in Practice concept
“Joy in Practice”
◦ Gratitude- for self and colleagues, not for family or “things” – finding joy in the
work we do, often among difficulty and adversity
◦ Celebrate the opportunity to do the work you chose and the impact that has on
people
◦ Self awareness
◦ Empathy
◦ Resilience

14. Self care
We are what we repeatedly do
~Aristotle (ish)

15. Discussion
◦ Why is this a ‘ current topic”?
◦ How does social and cultural climate impact self care?
◦ Why is self care especially important in this time?
◦ How can you develop your own self care plan and commit to it?