Counselors can experience professional burnout (dare I say, quicker than many other careers?). It happens because we are absorbing so much energy from our clients and often, though we try not to, take our work “home” with us, in our hearts and thoughts, no matter how hard we try not to.
Counselors don’t have an on/off switch.
As much as they say they can compartmentalize, us counselors know that when we really care (and we always really care), that we are always thinking of our clients and how to find solutions for them. We worry if they are taking care of themselves when they leave our office and we worry if we did enough and said the right things. It’s natural and normal to worry like this. But when does it become an issue?
Are you taking too much work “home” with you?
We’ve all heard the phrase “check your s$#@ at the door” and keep your issues to yourself when you leave work. While this mentality has a valid point, that mindset can actually cause serious damage to our psyche by convincing us it’s okay to “stuff” the emotions. On the flip side, confidentiality prevents us from discussing certain client details, so where does that leave the burned out counselor? Burned out!!!
As a counselor myself, I understand burnout.
Should I not be admitting this to you? I’m supposed to be a professional after all. But, that’s exactly why I’m writing to you today. I understand!!! This job can take a lot out of you! And, if I can plead to you from one counselor to another, counseling for counselors should almost be a mandate for our licenses. As a fellow counselor here in Denver, I know what it’s like to have the pressure that we do each day in our work.
And, I am a listening ear to anything that weighs you down in your day to day. I want you to feel lighter and happy to face the day’s clients, so that you can be at your very best.
Have you considered your own counseling session, only to consistently put it on the back burner?
About the Author
Don’t let your own burnout get on the back burner over and over and over. You are important! Your mental health and wellness are important! There’s no shame in seeking the same “medicine” you “prescribe” to your clients – safe, gentle, therapeutic counseling. Click here to email me about a session. My door is always open. ~ Katie