Taking Care of Myself While Taking Care of Others by Erica Wiebe

ewiebe3 — 2025-03-28 15:50:24 UTC

Name: Jade Wiebe

Course: Individual Counseling

Course Number- EDG 6320

Instructor: Dr. Kristi Cook

Due Date: March 3, 2025

Big Takeaway

ewiebe3 — 2025-03-28 16:04:27 UTC

After reading the course material, the big takeaway I concluded is that while counseling is a rewarding profession for empathetic and compassionate people, carrying the stories of trauma, abuse, crises, and a myriad of other sensitive topics causes compassion burnout. The course reading highly emphasizes that counselors must practice self-care, so that I can protect myself from chronic stress, vicarious trauma, diminished empathy, and overall ineffectiveness as a practitioner. I learned that without taking care of myself while I work in the counseling field, I will run the risk of compromising my own health and the effectiveness I have to serve my clients.

Reflection of the Importance of Self-Care

ewiebe3 — 2025-03-28 16:16:25 UTC

One of the most poignant things that stuck out to me was that I must be self-aware and implement strategies to maintain my mental well-being while working with clients. Burnout does not happen all at once, but it tends to build until the point of mental depletion. Compassion fatigue sneaks up on people, so I plan to be proactive in my self-care journey by checking in with myself and getting in tune with my feelings, and take the necessary steps to maintain my emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental health.

Self Care Strategies

ewiebe3 — 2025-03-28 16:30:04 UTC

As an advocate for good mental health, I must be a model for that lifestyle. The number one responsibility I have as a counselor is to promote the well-being and respect the identity of my clients and failing in this area would compromise my ability to do this important task.

I will practice mindfulness and meditation in my daily routine because these practices enhance brain function by helping with emotional regulation and stress management. Through this activity, I can promote self-awareness of my thoughts and feelings and allow me to stay present with clients with compassion instead of reactivity. This activity will ultimately provide me with a clear mind and allow me to give my patients effective support in my counseling practice.

Self Care Strategies

ewiebe3 — 2025-03-28 16:41:58 UTC

Moving My Body and Improving My Mind