Self-Care by Holly Scarbrough

Professional Take-Away

hscarbrough2 — 2025-10-18 20:14:26 UTC

The biggest take-away I am walking away with from this module's literature is that our self-care is ethically mandated. In order to be an effective therapist we must first take care of our own wellbeing. In fact, self-care is so important that it rises to the level of other ethically required behaviors (such as informed consent and recordkeeping, to name a few found in the ACA Code of Ethics).

Reflection on the Importance of Self-Care

hscarbrough2 — 2025-10-18 20:14:49 UTC

Our competency and effectiveness as a clinician hinges on our physical, mental, and psychological fitness. In order to maintain the stamina and fortitude needed to overcome the stressors and challenges of deeply caring for and helping others, we must ensure our own wellbeing. Though we may be able to withstand such stresses in the short term without adequate attention to our holistic wellbeing, eventually we will find our abilities weakened and the ability to offer care in a quality way diminished.

My Self-Care Strategies

hscarbrough2 — 2025-10-18 20:15:06 UTC

1. Exercise

I will carve out time in my schedule to participate in spin classes and lifting weights. Both of these lower my stress level and cause me to feel better in all aspects of my life.

2. Strong, Supportive Community

I will ensure I am connected to others around me who are supportive and know me deeply in order to make sure I have strong ties to people and things outside of the counselor office. Taking time to connect with friends and family will be important to maintain a healthy personal wellbeing.

hscarbrough2 — 2025-10-22 00:29:24 UTC

hscarbrough2 — 2025-10-22 00:37:18 UTC

The Resources I Found Most Helpful

hscarbrough2 — 2025-10-22 00:49:21 UTC

Gerald Corey, Michelle Muratori, Jude T. Austin, I., & Julius A. Austin. (2018). Counselor Self-Care. American Counseling Association.

Leigh A. Carter, & Jeffrey E. Barnett. (2014). Self-Care for Clinicians in Training : A Guide to Psychological Wellness for Graduate Students in Psychology. Oxford University Press.

Shallcross, L. (2013). Who’s taking care of Superman? Counseling Today, 55(7), 42–46.