surviving and thriving during challenging times: self-care for the healer
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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: - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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 NowProfessional 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) 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) 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-RiskOf 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 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 meetconstant 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)
Stress vs. Burnout Stress Characterized by over-
involvement Emotions are
heightened Produces urgency and
hyperactivity Loss of or too much
energy
Burnout Characterized by
disengagement Emotions are blunted Produces
helplessness and hopelessness
Loss of motivation, ideals, and hope
Stress vs. Burnout (continued) Leads to anxiety
disorders Much of the damage is
physical May cause illness and
premature death
(Hart, A, Stress andBurnout in Ministry)
Leads to detachment and depression
Much of the damage is emotional
May make life seem not worth living
BurnoutAccording 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)
Job-Related Skills and Behaviors Prioritize Get Organized Set Boundaries Delegate Where Appropriate Ask for and Accept Help Be Assertive
Job-Related Skills and Behaviors(continued)
Take Breaks During the Day Negotiate for Better Working Conditions Use Your Leave without Apology Commit to Professional Growth
Other Self-Care Suggestions 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)
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)