Caring for Ourselves: A Therapist's Guide to Personal and Professional Well-Being

by Ellen K. Baker

This book examines the conflicts and deterrents to self-care that can often lead to distress, impairment, or burnout. It invites readers to add their own "voices to the chorus" via journaling exercises that systematically peel through the layers of this complex issue by individually exploring topics ranging from exercise and body image to vicarious traumatization, coping, replenishing, and seeking personal therapy.

Genres: Psychology

173 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2002

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book existed during my graduate school years, as it brings up very relevant topics that are rarely discussed (if at all) during one's clinical training. Most of the issues covered (particularly that of clinician self-care) I had to learn on my own with the help of my own self-awareness, reflection, motivation/desire to be healthy,and trial and error. I highly recommend this book for those new to the field as well as seasoned clinicians. The author incorporates an overall reflective approach, asking the clinician relevant questions to ponder and journal about at the end of each topic discussed. As a seasoned therapist, this book helped put things in perspective for me....validating what I'm doing well, being reminded of the 'normal' range of thoughts and emotions that come along with this line of work, and becoming aware of my potential blind spots.