Leaving It at the Office, First Edition: A Guide to Psychotherapist Self-Care

by John C. Norcross, James D. Guy Jr.

Wise, warm, and authoritative, this straight-talking guide addresses the real-world struggles that psychotherapists face in balancing their professional and personal lives. It demonstrates that recognizing and tending to one's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs not only feels good--it also leads to more effective and ethical practice as a clinician. The book describes and illustrates 12 self-care strategies that are grounded in the authors' extensive research and clinical experience. Interwoven throughout are insights and recommendations from other master therapists, "self-care checklists," and suggestions for further reading. Lively and engaging, this affordable  resource is ideal for a broad range of professionals and students.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health, Grad School, Health

238 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2007

Reviews

[Sally Kenney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I am not a therapist, I learned a great deal about how to think about my work/life balance issues. BOUNDARIES! Lots to work on.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book was great for counselors or any other mental health professional to validate the stress of being in the profession and offer helpful thoughts on coping and growing as a professional.

[Tamara M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and comprehensive but still easy-to-read guide on self-care for helping professionals. There is so many useful concepts and ideas, as well as personal examples and research-findings that the authors share throughout the book. Highly recommended.

[Tamara Suttle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the top 3 best books I've ever read for therapists on the topic of self-care and burnout. Cannot say enough good things about this book!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humor, wisdom, and research all rolled into a very relatable and discomfiting kick in the pants.

[Shannon Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
This book helped me develop more awareness, self-compassion, and recognition of skills. It helped me identify areas in which I can continue to grow, what is normal, and what are some potential barriers to being an effective counselor (and how to mitigate those issues). It was validating and gave me some great ideas for self-care and self-compassion, along with demarcating work time and personal time. Definitely not a one-size-fits-all and "cognitive reconstructions" might be easier said than done, but it was a great and gentle reminder of how to be myself outside of work in order to do my work well.

[Dakota Pond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed using this book in supervision with masters-level students. We started a little book club in which more seasoned therapists and the students met monthly. It lead to a lot of great conversations about self-care and the challenges we face as therapists/future therapists. It’s a little more challenging to put into practice reading it on my own. Some of it felt long-winded but overall a good reminder to take care of myself and develop more balance.

[Justin M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent focus on the holistic idea of self-care. Some great tips, stats, and resources for clinicians hoping to boost their wellbeing in the midst of a career which seldom emphasizes personal self-care of the professional.

[Carlota · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Remember: you are the one patient who never leaves your practice." (p.205)

[Daniel Barnhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic for any clinician at any stage in their career. A must-read.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives the psychotherapist a plethora of ideas and rationales for taking care of themselves while working in a helping profession. Written in a way that is validating and encouraging, rather than condescending and finger wagging. I'm sure I will return to this book periodically.