In the demanding field of mental health, practitioners often focus intensely on their clients’ well-being, sometimes even at the expense of their own. This common issue can complicate treatment and create as many issues at the same time as it tries to be helpful. Dr. Jason Ediger, a practicing psychologist based in Winnipeg, emphasises the importance of therapist self-care, not only for the practitioner’s health but also as a model for clients and colleagues.
The self-care imperative
“As the airlines remind us, it’s important to put on our own safety gear before helping others with theirs,” Dr. Jason Ediger notes. This analogy underscores a fundamental truth in the mental health field: therapists who neglect their own well-being may struggle to effectively care for their clients. “The therapist who isn’t practicing their own self-care runs the risk of being affected not only by the issues in their own life but also potentially by all the issues of the people they see,” Dr. Ediger stresses. The neglect of one’s own self-care increases the chances of mistakes, errors in judgement, and even compassion fatigue. It is much more difficult for therapists to sympathise and care for others when their own personal care is unattended to.
Bounds of research support this view. A 2020 study published in the International Journal of Advanced Counseling found that stress, burnout, and professional impairment are common among mental health professionals, potentially compromising the quality of care they provide. This quality is also exemplified in the reality that patients and clients watch and model a therapist’s behaviour upon seeking treatment. So, when these individuals see that a therapist is not taking care of themselves, why should they?
Modelling healthy behaviours
Dr. Ediger emphasises the importance of therapists demonstrating self-care practices. His approach includes setting reasonable work hours, maintaining manageable caseloads, and being open about taking time off for personal well-being. While this is integral to psychological health among therapists, it is important that this does not impinge upon the benefit of the client or the duty of the therapist to aid the client. Therapists must practice this sort of healthy balance in workload management with their own personal needs while attending to others.
This modelling extends to physical activity as well. Dr. Ediger sometimes offers clients the option of “walking and talking” therapy sessions. “Movement is healthy,” he explains. “It helps to reduce depression and anxiety, stimulates thought and allows for interactions that might feel a little less intense and intimidating than sitting one on one alone in a room.” Dr. Ediger states that movement can be a “great way to double up on the benefits of therapy” for both the client and the therapist. At the same time, it is essential that this approach be primarily focused on the wellness of the client. While it might be beneficial for both parties, it is not the therapist’s needs that are the focus of therapy. Actions taken in therapy need to support the therapeutic goals of the client and not the therapist.
Balancing act: work and personal Life
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a constant challenge for therapists. Dr. Ediger advises, “We need exercise, rest, and fun in our worlds. How can we help others improve their quality of life if we are actively sabotaging our own?” Inundating your life with occupational responsibility can be just as fatal as avoiding it altogether, so it is important to approach self-care in the same way that you would preach to a client.
He suggests integrating self-care into daily routines, such as incorporating exercise into commutes. This approach allows therapists to address their own needs without feeling guilty about time away from work or family.
Addressing chronic pain and movement
When working with clients experiencing chronic pain, Dr. Ediger emphasises the importance of movement. He often discusses the concept of “hurt vs harm” with clients. “Just because something hurts doesn’t mean we are always causing additional harm,” he explains. “Sometimes the hurt reflects damage that has already happened. It still hurts, but we’re not hurting it worse.”
This approach aligns with current medical understanding. Most healthcare providers recognise the benefits of movement for both physical and mental health, even when dealing with chronic pain conditions. “If it is going to hurt whether we move or not, it’s almost always better to move,” Dr. Ediger states.
Misconceptions and challenges in self-care
Dr Ediger points out that self-care is often misunderstood. “Self-care is about balance,” he explains. “Overwhelming ourselves with responsibility isn’t healthy. At the same time, avoiding all responsibility can be equally damaging.”
Despite recognising its importance, many therapists struggle to prioritise self-care over the care of their clients. Common barriers include time constraints, feelings of guilt, and the perception that self-care is selfish or indulgent. Dr. Ediger addresses these concerns: “Over the long term, these aren’t optional things and if we neglect them, our body and our mental health will show us why the hard way.” Frankly, it is actually more detrimental than compassionate to ignore your own needs, as lapses in your own care can bleed into the care you provide for others.”
The Impact of Therapist Self-Care
While the primary focus of therapy is on the client, a therapist’s self-care practices can significantly influence therapeutic outcomes. When therapists prioritise their own well-being, they are better equipped to provide effective care and model healthy behaviours for their clients.
Conclusive research backs up this viewpoint. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that therapists who engaged in regular self-care reported lower levels of stress and higher job satisfaction, which in turn positively impacted their clinical work.
Looking ahead: self-care in therapy training
A 2019 study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology called for the integration of self-care training in graduate programmes to better prepare future therapists for the demands of their profession. This integration could prove very beneficial in the evolution of the mental health department.
As the field of mental health continues to evolve, there’s growing recognition of the need to incorporate self-care training into professional education programmes. Dr. Ediger suggests that integrating self-care practices into therapy training could help new professionals establish healthy habits from the start of their careers. This credible and early emphasis on the importance of self-care in therapy training can benefit the entire sphere of psychological care, from the patient to healthcare professional spectrum.
Takeaway
The importance of therapist self-care extends far beyond individual well-being. By prioritising their own health and balance, therapists can provide better care to their clients and contribute to a more sustainable and effective mental health care system. As Dr. Ediger’s insights and current research demonstrate, self-care is not a luxury for therapists – it’s a professional necessity.
Samantha Green, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
