Self Care Discussion by Liv Liebman

Professional “Take Away” from Reviewing Resources

oliebman — 2024-03-23 13:35:28 UTC

As counselors, our primary job is to help students become the best versions of themselves in the academic, social, personal, and occupational domains of their lives. However, if we do not take care of ourselves and ensure that we set boundaries and practice healthy habits outside of work, we will be less likely to help students and other educational professionals help themselves, which can lead to us acting less ethically due to compassion fatigue.

Reflection on Importance of Self-Care in the Helping Profession

oliebman — 2024-03-23 13:35:44 UTC

Counselors, and other members of helping professions, are at risk of experiencing burnout due to constantly prioritizing the needs of others before their own. Counselors must find ways to destress and disconnect with work when they leave the school in order to maintain the passion they have for helping students each day. Engaging in fun activities, connecting with loved ones and friends, distancing oneself from social media, exercising regularly, and eating properly are great ways for counselors to care for themselves in a way that protects their emotional bandwidth and allows them to support students in the best possible manner.

Identification & Description of Personal Self-Care Strategies

oliebman — 2024-03-23 13:35:57 UTC

For me personally, I thrive professionally when I take care of myself outside of work settings. For example, I love to read, as it is a way for me to destress and hop into a different world so that I do not have to worry about my own life for awhile. I also love to be outside as much as possible, so going on walks with my partner and our dog is a way for me to disconnect from the outside world and remember what is most important to me in life. I also believe that it is important for educators and counselors (and anyone whose job requires the helping of other people) to be in personal therapy outside of work. For example, I have a therapist whom I meet with every two weeks so that I can work on my own personal and professional growth, as well as relieve some of the stresses that I carry due to the emotionally exhausting nature of my work. Lastly, I have also realized that working out before work a few times a week has been a healthy way for me to physically release stress and feel the endorphins that keep me thinking positively while at work.

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oliebman — 2024-03-23 13:36:12 UTC