Surviving and Thriving
During Challenging
Times: Self-Care for the
Healer
Theresa Ford, Ph.D., LPC
Keep It Real Conference
October 4, 2010
Where We are Now
Professional helpers today are faced with an
increasingly complex set of challenges that
include:
 Clients/consumers who have multiple,
complicated, and difficult to address needs
 Larger caseloads
 More demands from agencies, such as
additional duties, paperwork, procedures
Where We are Now (continued)
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Budgetary cutbacks that affect staffing
levels, the availability of resources, and
compensation
Working for or with systems that have
stringent rules, e.g., managed care, and
may not be responsive clients’ or helpers’
needs
Limited structurally-based opportunities for
professional growth and support
Where We are Now (continued)
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Limited external rewards for working under
trying circumstances
An agency culture that may “pay lip
service” but does not truly value self-care
and time for renewal
Increased activities at home
A mistaken belief that the helper doesn’t
need help
Helpers At-Risk
Of necessity, effective professional helpers
demonstrate qualities such as empathy,
sensitivity, and a genuine sense of caring
for those we are charged with helping.
However, those qualities, combined with very
demanding jobs and constant expose to
individuals who are suffering, put helpers at
risk for unhealthy levels of stress,
compassion fatigue, and burnout.
Definitions
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Stress is the body’s response to demands
that can also have psychological, social
and behavioral implications.
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and
physical exhaustion caused by excessive
and prolonged stress, leaving the individual
feeling overwhelmed and unable to meet
constant demands.
Definitions (continued)
Burnout reduces productivity and saps
energy, resulting in feelings of helpless,
hopeless, cynical, and resentful.
Eventually, the helper may feel he or she
has nothing more to give.
(Smith, Jaffe-Gill, Segal, & Segal, 2008)
Understanding Stress and Burnout
Stress is characterized by too much, as in
too many clients, too many responsibilities,
and too much pressure.
 Burnout is characterized by not enough, as
in not enough motivation, not enough
caring or connection, not enough hope.
(Smith, Jaffe-Gill, Segal, & Segal, 2008)
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Stress vs. Burnout
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Stress
Characterized by overinvolvement
Emotions are
heightened
Produces urgency and
hyperactivity
Loss of or too much
energy
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Burnout
Characterized by
disengagement
Emotions are blunted
Produces
helplessness and
hopelessness
Loss of motivation,
ideals, and hope
Stress vs. Burnout (continued)
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Leads to anxiety
disorders
Much of the damage is
physical
May cause illness and
premature death
(Hart, A, Stress and
Burnout in Ministry)
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Leads to detachment
and depression
Much of the damage is
emotional
May make life seem
not worth living
Burnout
According to the Texas Medical Association, the
major causes of burnout are bureaucratic
atmosphere and overwork
3 Stages of Burnout
•
Stress arousal (irritability, anxiety increased
blood pressure, etc.)
•
Energy conservation (excessive lateness,
procrastination, withdrawal, cynicism, etc)
•
Exhaustion
Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue, also known as
secondary or vicarious trauma, involves a
gradual lessening of compassion over time.
It can happen to individuals who work
closely with persons who have experienced
trauma.
Professionals with a personal history of
trauma, especially if it is unresolved, may
be particularly vulnerable.
Compassion Fatigue
Compassion Fatigue can also be described
as the emotional residue of exposure to
people in pain, particularly those suffering
from traumatic events. Helpers who work
with such individuals must contend with the
normal stress or dissatisfaction of work, as
well as their emotional responses to the
suffering of those being helped.
Compassion Fatigue
Solutions/Coping Strategies
Helpful activities to promote wellness:
 Discussing cases with colleagues
 Talking with colleagues between sessions
 Attending workshops
 Limiting case load
 Receiving clinical supervision
 Spending time with family and friends
Solutions/Coping Strategies
(continued)
Travel, vacations, hobbies, and movies
 Socializing
 Exercise
 Developing a spiritual life
(Pearlman and MacIan, 1995)
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Job-Related Skills and Behaviors
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Prioritize
Get Organized
Set Boundaries
Delegate Where Appropriate
Ask for and Accept Help
Be Assertive
Job-Related Skills and Behaviors
(continued)
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Take Breaks During the Day
Negotiate for Better Working Conditions
Use Your Leave without Apology
Commit to Professional Growth
Other Self-Care Suggestions
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Make Self-Care a Priority
Good Nutrition
Exercise
Rest and Relaxation
Address Medical and/or Psychological
Issues
Adequate Support—At Work and at Home
Other Self-Care Suggestions
(continued)
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Set Boundaries
Maintain Balance
Develop a Positive Attitude
Cultivate Compassion for Self
Create an Attractive Environment
Have Fun
Engage in Activities That Feed The Soul
Final Thoughts
In order to assist the helper in functioning at
an optimal level again, 3 things are
needed:
1.
Honesty with Self
2. Personal Responsibility
3. Self-expression
(LaRowe, 2007)