Simple Self-Care for Therapists: Restorative Practices to Weave Through Your Workday

by Ashley Davis Bush

“Bite-sized” self-care strategies that any therapist can easily practice.

For mental health professionals who must regularly guard against compassion fatigue and secondary traumatization, intentional self-care isn’t just essential; it’s a survival tool. If therapists don’t take proper care of themselves, they can’t do their work effectively.Taking up an exercise program, going on a vacation, turning to supportive social networks, while helpful remedies to the stresses of the job, are not always feasible and the results are often only short term. Synthesizing the latest thinking in mindfulness, neuroscience, energy medicine, and spiritual disciplines, Simple Self-Care for Therapists offers immediate relief in doable, bite-sized nuggets—easy exercises that can be seamlessly integrated into your current workday routine with little fuss.Over 60 restorative practices are presented—tools for (1) grounding, (2) energizing, and (3) relaxing—organized as antidotes to the most common pathologies that therapists vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Bush, a therapist with over 25 years of experience, walks readers through the descriptions and simple implementation of each practice, with illuminating stories from her own professional experiences.Whether you’re in a staff meeting, conducting a therapy session, writing a progress report, or attending a workshop, these convenient exercises can be dipped into as needed. A go-to resource of self-care tools, every therapist, no matter their background or approach, now has the ability to prevent stress, avoid internalization, revive their spirit, and restore a sense of well-being.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health, Social Work

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

I'm so glad to be part of the Goodreads forum!

I am a licensed psychotherapist in private practice now living in Antigua, Guatemala. I am also the author of 10 self-help books.

In my clinical work I focus on helping individuals cope with loss, heal from trauma, find inner peace, navigate life's transitions and on helping couples improve their relationship.

My background: I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Smith College and a Masters in Social Work degree from Columbia University. Early on, I worked in community mental health in New York City later wrote, lived and practiced in southern New Hampshire for 22 years.

I, with my husband Daniel, have 5 grown children who live around the globe.

I enjoy singing and perform with local choral groups and community theaters.

Reviews

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Around January-February 2020, I remember being in some kind of work training thing that brought up self-care and its importance, with zero realization of just how much that word would be pushed on society over the next year. When a coworker asked me if I learned anything valuable from the training, it was that "Yeah, I learned I need a vacation." Now I don't know whether to laugh or cry about this memory, but it is cute I guess.

I hate, hate, HATE when those of higher privilege try to just push deep breathing, meditation, yoga, visualization, etc. etc. down us little guys' throats as a solution to some pretty glaring inequities from systemic issues that still desperately need unpacking.

Though Audre Lorde also wrote that "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." A slogan I came up with in 2020 was "In a world that makes you want to jump off the balcony, dance on it." It's morbid, especially after a neighbor did jump last year, though it's also powerful, and it is mine. Self-care is the dance part, and damn if I did not do a lot of dancing on the balcony these last couple years.

I picked up this book after reading an article about workplace morale, and highly recommend it to anyone within any people-serving position. This is the advice that keeps the people that are always spouting self-care going, at least if they have any level of authenticity about it. I'm not perfect about it, and I have my issues with it being a replacement for systemic change, though I am definitely committed to self-preservation more so than in years past -- I kinda have to be with the nonsense that these last 2 years has thrown at me.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book at my first job as a clinician, and seven years later, I finally picked it up! I’m glad I read it, as it was a wonderful book filled with quick and doable self-care practices, for both before, after, and even in between clients sessions. The practices are also good for anyone in need of a little daily self-care. Taking care of ourselves not just in big ways, but in the small ways are so important for our well-being.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this for anyone interested in self-care: definitely therapists and psychologists but also anyone who wants to avoid burnout in their career. Quick, user friendly book with excellent ideas and tips.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful! The practices in this book are mostly different variations of mindfulness, but they are creative nonetheless. If anything, this book has given me permission to relax throughout my workday. Great read for any level of therapist.

[Victoria Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding self care book. Filled with ideas for momentary self care actions, would be useful for anyone.

[Amanda Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it and will be rereading and using these practices 4ever! Oh how I love some self care

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Self-care ideas for therapists. However, these exercises (mindfulness) can be used by anyone who have jobs or duties that can be emotionally and mentally taxing.

[Chelsea Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an article I was writing for NFDA. Although the book is written for therapists, many of the tips can be used in whatever occupation you are in to keep your energy clear and not feel wiped out at the end of the day. The book's format makes it easy to read and apply Ashley's recommended practices.

I have read other books by Ashley Davis Bush and loved them all, especially her books in grief healing.
Highly recommended!

[Kelly Ballantyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas for micro self-care in various situations, such as before work, between clients, and before heading home. The variety offered is helpful as I can see myself doing some of these practices but not others.

[Valerie Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Validating many of the techniques I personally use and provide to my clients. But was heavy on the spiritual side, which worked for me but may not be everyone's cup of tea. I'm guessing many others would think the techniques and thought processes/exercises were a little too woo woo/metaphysical.

[Jessica Brazeal Slaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical, helpful, applicable. Good reminder and good ideas.