Staying Strong: Professional Self Care For Therapists

Staying Strong: Professional Self Care For Therapists

Hey, my friend. We all know that as therapists, we’re the “strong ones” people turn to when the going gets tough. But what happens when we feel overwhelmed? Who holds space for us when the world feels like it’s on fire, and we’re expected to show up strong, calm, and steady, no matter what?In the latest episode of my Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists podcast, I dive deep into a topic that’s so relevant right now: self care for therapists in times of crisis. 

As therapists, we have a unique challenge — maintaining compassion, empathy, and presence for others even when we, too, feel vulnerable. We’re all experiencing the effects of global events, collective stress, and personal challenges. And sometimes, that weight feels like… a lot.

If you’re like me, you may feel the urge to “push through” and keep showing up, no matter what. But here’s the truth: we have limits. And learning to honor those limits — without guilt — is key to not only surviving this work but thriving in it long-term.

In this episode, I share actionable strategies to help you build a self-care toolkit that really works. Here’s a sneak peek at what we cover:

Boundaries: The Key to Sustainable Compassion

Boundaries aren’t just something we tell our clients to set; they’re essential for us, too. In therapy, boundaries mean knowing where your professional role ends and your well-being begins. 

It’s easy to think that setting boundaries with clients might mean you’re less committed or not giving enough — but the truth is, strong boundaries make us better therapists. When we’re clear about what’s healthy for us, we create an environment that’s also healthier for our clients. 

Consider setting time limits on sessions if they tend to run over, gently guiding clients back on track if they veer into areas beyond your expertise, or referring clients to other professionals when you recognize the limits of your current capacity.

We dive deep into how to say “no” with grace when needed, refer clients when the fit isn’t right, and draw lines that protect your well-being. Because ultimately, you’re no good to others if you’re running on empty. Need a refresher on setting boundaries? Check out my article on Setting Boundaries as a Therapist

Physical Health as the Foundation of Mental Health

We’ve all been there — we’re the ones advising our clients to get enough sleep, eat nourishing foods, and make time for movement. But how many of us forget to do this ourselves? Physical wellness is critical to mental resilience, and studies continue to reinforce that. 

When we skip meals or don’t prioritize sleep, we’re setting ourselves up for burnout. Physical health is the core of emotional stability, and treating your body well is a form of self-respect that extends to how you show up for your clients.

Your Inner Circle of Support

Who is your support system? Therapists, by nature, tend to be natural listeners and givers — but we need to have people we can lean on, too. Studies on therapist burnout have shown that isolation is a serious risk factor. When we feel alone in our struggles, we’re more vulnerable to burnout, compassion fatigue, and even anxiety or depression.

I encourage therapists to create a safe circle of colleagues, mentors, or friends who understand the unique challenges of this work. At Growing Self, we’ve introduced drop-in support groups for therapists on our team. These are safe, confidential spaces where our therapists can talk openly about their experiences, share insights, and provide each other with validation. 

If you don’t have a support group yet, think about creating one — even if it’s just a monthly coffee catch-up with a few therapist friends. Consider it part of your professional development, because it absolutely is.