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Caring for others can drain your empathy

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Compassion fatigue is the emotional strain of repeatedly witnessing or absorbing others' suffering, leading to a decreased capacity for empathy and compassion. Counselors who work closely with trauma survivors or distressed clients may experience compassion fatigue, which is why it is very important to actively manage your emotional well-being. This sets the tone for healthy boundaries and engaging in restorative practices to maintain empathy without becoming overwhelmed.

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Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often from overwork or high-pressure environments. It is important for counselors to set healthy boundaries and to set aside time to replenish themselves. In the counseling profession, burnout can affect one's ability to connect with clients and provide quality care, making self-care and work-life balance essential.

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Protect your well-being while helping others

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Secondary trauma can occur when a counselor is indirectly traumatized by hearing about or witnessing the trauma of others. Over time, this can lead to symptoms similar to those experienced by the traumatized individual, such as anxiety, nightmares, or hypervigilance. Counselors should be aware of secondary trauma's risks and practice self-awareness and peer support to protect their mental and physical health while helping others.

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Self-care is crucial in the counseling profession because it protects our well-being which allows us to continue to provide effective and compassionate support. By practicing self-care, I can replenish my energy, maintain emotional resilience, and set healthy boundaries, ensuring that I can sustain my work and be fully present for my clients. Ultimately, self-care not only protects me but also enhances the quality of care provided to others.

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I always start and end my day with prayer and either a quick devotion or I will take some time to read the bible. This helps me set the tone for my day and it allows me to reflect on my readings to help me through the day. Music is another way that I decompress. I love all types of music and it helps me clear my head. A good book is also something that is near and dear to my self-care practices. I enjoy lighting candles around the house, turning on some music, and relaxing with a good book. Getting outside and taking a long walk is always so calming to me and it is a goal of mine to stay consistent with this even when my schedule is busy.

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Make time for yourself: recharge, reflect, and refocus