The Resilient Clinician

by Robert J. Wicks

Author of several acclaimed books and expert in the field of secondary stress, psychologist Robert Wicks addresses the experience of the mental health professional and raises awareness of the insidious, almost silent psychological defenses of denial and avoidance in the life of the clinician. A concise guide to preventing and limiting acute and chronic secondary stress, The Resilient Clinician offers an overview of mindfulness and meditation as it applies to the clinician's own life rather than that of the client or patient, and describes how to develop a personally designed self-care protocol. This immensely readable book also includes one of the most current selective bibliographies of relevant research and clinical and theoretical publications in the subject area, from common stressors and vicarious post-traumatic stress disorders to burnout and compassion fatigue. Informed by positive psychology and infused with compassion and wisdom, this book will help clinicians remain
challenged, maintain perspective, and be inspired both professionally and personally.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Nonfiction

255 pages, Hardcover

First published August 8, 2007

About the author

There is more than one author with this name. See also: Robert Wicks & Robert Wicks.

Robert J. Wicks (born August 2, 1946 in Queens, New York) is a clinical psychologist and writer about the intersection of spirituality and psychology. Wicks is a well known speaker, therapist, and spiritual guide who has taught at universities and professional schools of psychology, medicine, nursing, theology, and social work for more than thirty years. He a Professor Emeritus at Loyola University Maryland

Reviews

[Olwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a clinician, I found this book immensely helpful. I was able to recognise signs of burnout in myself, and Robert offered tools to address this. Its working.

Note: Robert Wicks has written many books on the subject of burnout, for clinicians, those in the health professions, and pastoral helpers. I've read two so far, but found the second tended to repeat what I'd already read in the first. Recommend that you look at his entire range of books before selecting one that best fits your situation.

[Lynette Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as I was starting out in my mental health Master’s program. It was helpful, supportive, and like a good therapist, I kept going back to it. Compassion fatigue is real, and heading into this field, I wasn’t fully aware of how this might impact me, but now that I have time on the ground and have become licensed (and, shall I say, seen some things), I should pick this up again. Highly recommend.

[Howard K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Delivery

Robert Wicks provides in-depth and detailed insight into this phenomenon of burnout and compassion fatigue. Each chapter includes its own appendix that you can apply to yourself and/or interviewees, as well as a list of questions for contemplation regarding these issues.

The lists of questions can seem a little overwhelming, such as the feeling of where to start in answering the questions; do I have time to go into each of them and at depth? However, they are there and valuable indeed and I give 5 stars because of the content, design, and experience from being in this field of study to report as he has.

[Cesar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short guide to purposeful self care. He summarized the importance of clinicians to be proactive on the stress of the work, and combat it through self awareness. I enjoyed answering the guided questions, and excited to share this with colleagues.

[Eko]

A very thoughtful and well-constructed book. There is an excellent selection of quotes. As a nurse and a manager, I would have rated higher if it reflected my own work experience more, but it was still helpful. I’ve already recommended to some of the mental health professionals in my life. 3.75*

[Laura Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for work and was really insightful and some good hints and tips for looking after ourselves whilst we look after others! Definitely recommend to anyone in the clinical/psychological fields.

[Madi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"'When you live next to the cemetery, you can’t cry for everyone who dies.'"

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview of the challenges of 'compassion fatigue' and self-absorption that pose risks to counselors, pastoral care practitioners, and clinicians. Particularly helpful for its descriptions of particular kinds of friends and practices that one can adopt in an effective self care regimen.

[Winston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on self care for those in the helping professions.