Prioritizing Me by Cayla Morrison

Professional Take Away

caylamorrison2 — 2025-03-25 00:18:44 UTC

My biggest takeaway from reviewing the resources on burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma is the ethical responsibility counselors have to recognize the warning signs early and take proactive steps to maintain self-care. As counselors, we can become so focused on helping others that we neglect our own well-being. However, failing to address our own emotional needs can compromise our effectiveness and even harm the students we serve. It's crucial to create boundaries, seek supervision, and prioritize self-care to not only protect our own mental health but also to ensure we are providing the best and most ethical support for our students.

Reflection on Importance of Self-Care

caylamorrison2 — 2025-03-25 00:43:23 UTC

In our profession, we have a deep commitment to helping and serving others. However, when we are constantly giving, we can quickly run out of energy. Just like a car needs to refuel after a long drive, we, as professional school counselors, also need to replenish ourselves. We can't be effective in our roles when we're running on empty, both emotionally and physically.

My biggest fear is experiencing vicarious trauma, as I may find myself absorbing the emotional weight when working with students who have experienced abuse, violence, grief, or other significant trauma. This emotional exhaustion can impact my well-being and my ability to be present and effective for my students, which is why it is so important to recognize the signs early and prioritize self-care to maintain my effectiveness as a counselor.

Personal Self-Care Strategies

caylamorrison2 — 2025-03-25 00:49:11 UTC

To prioritize my personal self-care, I plan to spend time outside, taking walks or simply enjoying nature to recharge and clear my mind. I will also create simple to-do lists to help manage my tasks and reduce overwhelm, ensuring I stay organized without adding unnecessary stress. Additionally, incorporating yoga into my routine helps me relax, reduce tension, and improve my physical and mental well-being.

Trapeze Yoga

caylamorrison2 — 2025-03-25 00:52:51 UTC

Here I am practicing Trapeze Yoga, which is both enjoyable and therapeutic. It blends traditional yoga with the thrill of aerial movement. After each session, I experience a sense of mental clarity, leaving me with a calmer, more focused mind.

caylamorrison2 — 2025-03-29 22:17:35 UTC

Taking walks outside and traveling are significant stress relievers for me and essential parts of my self-care routine. Whether it's a short walk in nature or a weekend getaway, these activities help me disconnect, refresh my mind, and gain a new perspective, allowing me to return to my work feeling more centered and energized.