Sharing the burdens of our clients in today’s uncertain times has been shown to be challenging for mental health practitioners. Therapists must contain a client’s increased distress—anxiety, uncertainty, experiences of violence, financial hardship and/or trauma/distress. Equally, regular existential reminders of the impact of increasing societal risks arising from COVID, political turmoil and climate change require caring assistance on behalf of our clients. Not surprisingly, a review our own professional and personal self-care would seem a regular requirement to meet such challenges. This course will look at a few well-researched work-stress related concepts such as burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma. How might these conditions generally manifest amongst professionals, especially in light of the challenges noted above? At a more personal level, which stressors and conditions seem more relevant as possible risks for each of us?
The course will identify options for addressing work-life balance. What self-care tactics might we employ that provide some relief from work stress, distress, trauma and enhance our private subjective well-being (i.e., happiness as a more optimal balance of positive and negative affect). Finally, the alternative, complementary notion of eudemonic well-being (i.e., happiness as purposefulness, self-actualisation, pursuance of the good) might also be useful for our more strategic self-care.
The course will also enquire as to our own motivations to provide care along with a sense of meaning and purpose. What matters most? We will conclude with a discussion of reflections on clinical and professional experiences relative to our experiences.
This course is designed for mental health practitioners who are navigating the heightened challenges of supporting clients during uncertain and distressing times. It addresses the impact of societal issues like COVID, political unrest, and climate change on both clients and therapists, offering insights into work-related stressors such as burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. Participants will explore strategies for managing work-life balance, enhancing personal well-being, and engaging in effective self-care. The course also delves into the importance of purpose and meaning in therapeutic work, helping practitioners reflect on their motivations and develop a sustainable approach to caregiving in a demanding environment.
Access This Free Course Today
Regular price: $99
Welcome & Instructions to the Course
Video Lecture: Therapist Self-care
PPT Slides: Therapist Self-Care
Reference List: Therapist Self-Care
Self Care Chart:
Assessment Component: Therapist Self-Care
Dr Kevin Keith is a counsellor, psychotherapist, supervisor and academic. He has been a therapist for nearly 16 years. He completed his PhD in 2017 at the University of Sydney focusing on theoretical questions around the status of post-infancy preschool developments within Attachment Theory. His academic interests also include emotions research, philosophy of science and the empirical status of longer-term psychotherapy. He also provides professional development to colleagues across several professions. He has been working in the field of mental health since 2005, including 10 years work in the community health sector. Kevin has been teaching counselling In Sydney since 2007.
