R. Jones Self-Care by

Professional "Take-Away"

rjones71_1 — 2024-10-23 18:20:57 UTC

Something I found interesting when reviewing the materials provided was the sheer volume of counselors who are experiencing some level of burn-out or compassion fatigue. Williams (2011) shared that the number of counselors experiencing this could range from 30 to 66 percent. Being that research was conducted a decade ago, I imagine that in the current climate of today that amount would be even higher. I also found it interesting that this experience is universal among counselors. The heavy load of carrying other people's traumas and stress affects counselors working in all areas with all different types of populations. There was a connection made in the article, the Importance of Self-Care, that as counselors we create plans for students and others to manage stress but somehow neglect this in our personal life. This made me wonder why this is the case and what we can do to help moving forward.

Williams, R. (2011, January 1). The importance of self-care. American counseling association. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Magazines/January-February-2011/The-Importance-of-Self-Care

Reflection

rjones71_1 — 2024-10-23 18:22:20 UTC

Self-care is essential in helping professions, like counseling. Not only is self-care mandated through our ethical codes, but it is the only way to find sustainability in our work. There are a lot of rewarding aspects of a counselor's job, but taking on the traumas and hardships of others can be draining. As a counselor, you are constantly giving of yourself to others. If you do not take the time to pour into yourself, you will have nothing to give to your students or clients. By creating sustainable habits and self-care activities, it can help counselors remember their "why" for this profession.

Personal Self-Care Strategies

rjones71_1 — 2024-10-23 18:22:30 UTC

One self-care strategy I will try to implement is practicing gratitude. It is so easy to get caught in a negative thinking cycle forgetting any positives of the situation or job you are in. I would like to practice identifying 3 things weekly that I am grateful for. One is going to be specifically focused as gratitude for my role as a school counselor. The other 2 things could be gratitude for something in my personal or professional life. Through focusing on gratitude, I hope to shift my attitude to remember the positive things in my life. Another self-care strategy that I will be implementing is creating time and space to something for my physical health. I have always been an avid runner and while this season of my life is busy, I want to create time to go outside for walks or runs throughout this semester. These can be with my kids, or alone. Moving my body and being outside has always been a way for me to reset and think clearly.

Graphic

rjones71_1 — 2024-10-23 18:22:41 UTC

Graphic

rjones71_1 — 2024-10-23 18:49:11 UTC