Quarantine Self-Care for Therapists

Quarantine Self-Care for Therapists Curt and Katie chat about the challenges for therapists during the pandemic. We look at what is unique to therapists’ experiences, causes of burnout, and ways in which therapists can work to protect their mental health and wellness during this time. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age. In this episode we talk about: How therapists can take care of themselves during this time The risks for burnout during COVID – study in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry Taking on clients’ emotions, reacting together in real time Compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma The strain of “in this together” Lack of the usual go-to self-care practices Lack of in-person community and connection Difficulty in getting feedback related to how we’re being received Not knowing if we’re providing effective therapy The concept of stasis, and just waiting for things to go back to normal Longer term therapy due to lack of progress or on-going stressors The lack of distraction from work or other responsibilities The danger of filling time with work The struggle or concern related to raising fees during a pandemic How work may have become more of a grind Lack of creativity or inspiration The importance of taking a self-assessment Realistic expectations Priorities and values All the roles we are playing right now What resources do we have available to us? Creating separation between work and personal space (through physical separation, ritual, structure) How to identify opportunities with what is happening now Identifying new challenges and risks, how to mitigate risks Creating a sustainable situation even if it is just for now Managing your schedule Connecting with your community, so you don’t feel so isolated The importance of breaks