Self-Care by Candice Reiling

Self-Care

cprather2_1 — 2025-09-09 17:15:43 UTC

Candice Reiling

Department of Curriculum & Instruction, Angelo State University

EDG 6320 Individual Counseling

Dr. Joel Bell

October 26, 2025

Professional “Take Away”:

cprather2_1 — 2025-09-09 17:17:00 UTC

My biggest takeaway from the reading was actually how surprising it is to see that self-care is such a high priority in this field, compared to my personal experience with other "helper" careers. Reading about how patterns of not setting boundaries slowly cause serious harm and destroy work-life balance was eye-opening, because I never realized that was exactly what led to my previous burnout.

Reflection on Importance of Self-Care in the Helping Profession:

cprather2_1 — 2025-09-09 17:18:32 UTC

Self-care for therapists is super important because it reduces the risk of burnout and makes for more well-adjusted, effective therapists. A lack of self-care or appropriate boundary setting can lead to harmful consequences for therapists and their clients.

Picture:

cprather2_1 — 2025-09-09 17:19:52 UTC

My self-care photos include:

My cat

The beach

My children and niece

My little farm

My chickens

Identification & Description of Personal Self-Care Strategies:

cprather2_1 — 2025-09-09 17:21:55 UTC

My strategies that I consistently use are identified in the slide below, but my biggest strategy for future roles will be to have at-home time and work time very clearly separated and boundaries very clearly set in place. My previous experience with burnout/vicarious trauma was brought on by all the small boundaries I let be pushed to the side and all the work I took home until I no longer had a place to escape the vicarious trauma. While at home, I will be sure to use my self-care measures daily and focus on my family, friends, and animals rather than the things I can not change for the people I help.