Professional “Take Away” - The Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) by Cory Smith https://padlet.com/csmith196_1/yf4yp1zj4i4bfbi6 Before taking this assessment, I was unaware of the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) measure and its utility in evaluating the balance between compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. Discovering this tool has provided valuable insight into the emotional impact of my work as a counselor.My results—Compassion Satisfaction (33), Burnout (29), and Secondary Traumatic Stress (27)—indicate that while I find fulfillment in my role, there are notable levels of stress and burnout that I need to be mindful of. These scores serve as a reminder that self-care and professional boundaries are essential in maintaining long-term effectiveness in this field. en-us 2025-03-28 01:42:06 UTC 2025-03-29 20:30:29 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4cd.png Reflection on The Importance of Self-Care csmith196_1 https://padlet.com/csmith196_1/yf4yp1zj4i4bfbi6/wish/3387685568 I try and reinforce for myself the important lesson: we cannot pour from an empty cup. If I am not intentional about setting boundaries, engaging in restorative activities, and seeking support when needed, I risk diminishing my ability to serve others effectively.

For me, self-care goes beyond just taking time off or engaging in hobbies—it is about creating sustainable habits that protect my well-being in the long run. More than that, it means giving myself permission to rest without guilt, understanding that doing so allows me to show up fully for those I serve.

]]> 2025-03-29 20:01:42 UTC https://padlet.com/csmith196_1/yf4yp1zj4i4bfbi6/wish/3387685568 Identification & Description of Personal Self-Care Strategies csmith196_1 https://padlet.com/csmith196_1/yf4yp1zj4i4bfbi6/wish/3387690085 When I think of identifying and describing self-care strategies, I try my best to incorporate these in both my "work world" and "personal world."


For example, personal world strategies for me are:

  • Spending time with my friends and family and just being present with them.

  • Playing golf

  • Enjoying craft beers (responsibly)

  • Traveling

  • Playing video games


Work world strategies for me are:

  • Seeking supervision when I feel the need

  • Doing my best to maintain a manageable caseload

  • Getting out of my office for just a few minutes

  • Asking questions when I don't know something

  • Making sure I make time for lunch as much as possible and protecting that time.

]]> 2025-03-29 20:20:03 UTC https://padlet.com/csmith196_1/yf4yp1zj4i4bfbi6/wish/3387690085 Graphic/Picture csmith196_1 https://padlet.com/csmith196_1/yf4yp1zj4i4bfbi6/wish/3387692834 This is a photo of gas station near where I live. I use this gas station as my "separation point" from work life/personal life. Meaning, when I leave work and get to this gas station, it is my "signal" to leave everything on the east side of this gas station "at work." It has served as a helpful physical landmark to help me maintain balance between the two.

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