# data[].attributes.body
I currently utilize strength training as an outlet for my self-care plan, and I would like to incorporate more mindfulness. I plan to start incorporating this by using the 4:7:8 ratio breathing technique mentioned in Beyond the Breaking Point Examining the Pieces of Counselor Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Secondhand Depression and journaling weekly.

# data[].attributes.body
Self-care is crucial because it fuels the ability to continue to care for others and be passionate about doing so. The saying "You can't pour from an empty cup" is one that I feel resonates for counselors and others in the helping profession. A person has to be able to refresh and reset emotionally to be able to take on emotional weight for a client.

# data[].attributes.body
After reviewing the resources, I am encouraged to see that is not only a well-known phenomenon but also one that has research and resources dedicated to it. My biggest takeaway was how much Compassion Fatigue can impact one's health. It impacts all areas of the counselor's life from health to social well-being.

# data[].attributes.body
This book contains accessible self-care strategies for all individuals, but the other gears this more towards counselors because she has 30 years of experience being a teacher, a counselor, and a supervisor.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Counselor Self Care offers any reader the unexpected positive energy that can arise from our daily, life enhancing connections with others. Our ongoing health, wellness, and self-care depends on how well we can find easily-accessible, simple ways to renew ourselves every day. Self-caring activities are essential for counselors in order to do their work effectively but are filled with healing potential for anyone interested in his or her own overall wellness.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Counselor Self Care offers any reader the unexpected positive energy that can arise from our daily, life enhancing connections with others. Our ongoing health, wellness, and self-care depends on how well we can find easily-accessible, simple ways to renew ourselves every day. Self-caring activiti...

# data[].attributes.body
This is a link to the youtube channel that provides guided meditations with different focuses. It also has a Spanish resource.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
meditation wellbeing stress anxiety compassion well-being mindfulness awareness insight purpose practice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Healthy Minds Innovations (HMI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Center for Healthy Minds (CHM) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a global leader in conducting novel research to revolutionize our understanding of the mind, emotions, and well-being. The collective mission of CHM and HMI is to cultivate well-being and relieve suffering through a scientific understanding of the mind.

# data[].attributes.headline
Self-Care in Private Practice Work Life Balance for Counselors

# data[].attributes.subject
Self-Care in Private Practice Work Life Balance for Counselors

# data[].attributes.body
This video discusses a routine for a therapist to take care of themselves. She addresses being intentional with self-care, especially when the job is emotionally taxing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Self-Care in Private Practice | Work Life Balance for Counselors

# data[].attributes.body
A therapist takes us through his self-care routine and what it looks like while addressing the more popular understanding of self-care. He discusses practical routines.

# data[].attributes.headline
Signs, symptoms, and strategies to manage Compassion Fatigue

# data[].attributes.subject
Signs, symptoms, and strategies to manage Compassion Fatigue

# data[].attributes.body
This website provides identifies for Compassion Fatigue. It also provides resources to address and navigate it. This if geared towards Criss Counselors.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learn more about compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and self-care techniques you can use as a crisis counselor before, during, and after a disaster.

Responding to disasters and other emergencies is important and often rewarding work. While serving communities as a crisis counselor, you may join disaster survivors on their journey toward greater resilience. However, you may also experience stress together with disaster survivors, which can lead to compassion fatigue. It is important you learn and use techniques throughout disaster response to stay healthy and effective as a crisis counselor.

Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue is a combination of burnout and secondary traumatic stress.

Compassion fatigue can affect you in many ways.

If you have a history of trauma or exposure to traumatic events during a disaster, you may be more likely to experience compassion fatigue.

Signs and Symptoms

Compassion fatigue signs and symptoms vary, and you may not have them all. They include the following feelings and experiences:

Helplessness, being extremely tired, and feeling overwhelmed

Disorientation or confusion

Frustration, cynicism, or anger and irritability

Physical effects, such as shortness of breath, increased headaches, heart palpitations, trouble falling asleep, or muscle tension

If these signs and symptoms continue for more than 2 weeks or are affecting your quality of life, you should seek out professional help. SAMHSA offers several websites and toll-free phone lines to help you find treatment in your area.

Self-care

As a crisis counselor, you support disaster survivors in building resilience, finding healthy coping methods, and practicing self-care. You can apply these same strategies to help avoid compassion fatigue and increase your likelihood of compassion satisfaction.

Compassion satisfaction is the sense of fulfillment and other positive feelings crisis counselors have about the work they do, based on feelings of hope, strength, and resilience.

Self-care Strategies for Crisis Counselors

To help prevent compassion fatigue and foster compassion satisfaction, use these strategies:

Focus on the four core components of resilience (adequate sleep, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and active relaxation). Create a self-care plan that addresses each component.

Develop positive relationships with other crisis counselors. Celebrate successes and mourn sorrows as a team. Ask a coworker to be a self-care buddy, or plan to attend regular group check-ins.

Schedule time for relaxation, meditation, and rest. Practice breathing exercises and other stress management techniques regularly. Take breaks and time away from work and the disaster area as needed.

Stay in regular contact with friends and loved ones.

Stay informed on resources and events for crisis counselors.

Strategies for Supervisors and Team Leads

To help crisis counselors avoid compassion fatigue and increase compassion satisfaction, supervisors and team leads can use these strategies:

Plan regular meetings with crisis counselors to allow them to share their experiences and concerns.

Regularly provide opportunities for trainings, peer support groups, and debriefing sessions for crisis counselor teams.

Encourage crisis counselors to take breaks and stay in touch with friends and loved ones.

Encourage crisis counselors to make connections and support each other through team meetings, buddy systems, or team events.

Provide materials and resources for self-care to crisis counselors throughout their service period. Follow up with counselors once the program is over.

Resources

Use the following resources to learn more about compassion fatigue and self-care:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Compassion Fatigue and Self-care for Crisis Counselors

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn more about compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and self-care techniques you can use as a crisis counselor before, during, and after a disaster.

# data[].attributes.body
This website provides a series of links and articles to support counselors in their self-care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The American Counseling Association recognizes that the work counselors do, while very important and rewarding, can also be stressful. Self-care is an essential tool that can help in dealing with stress. The following ACA resources focus on self-care for counselors.

Featured Product

Counselor Self-Care 2nd Edition
Gerald Corey, Michelle Muratori, Jude T. Austin II and Julius A. Austin

This inspirational book for students, clinicians, educators and supervisors offers practical perspectives on the lifelong quest for personal wellness. Through conversational, diverse and deeply personal narratives, the authors reveal their self-care journeys at various stages of their careers, and 39 guest contributors-ranging from graduate students to counseling veterans-share how they overcome setbacks and prioritize self-care to maintain competent, ethical practice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The American Counseling Association recognizes that the work counselors do, while very important and rewarding, can also be stressful. Self-care is an essential tool that can help in dealing with stress. The following ACA resources focus on self-care for counselors. Counselor Self-Care 2nd Edition Gerald Corey, Michelle Muratori, Jude T.