Self Care & Burnout
- Marsha Bradford
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
Liz Konzelmann, Graduate Intern
Burnout
Burnout is defined as emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion due to prolonged stress (Vivolo, 2024). It is a significant concern for mental health counselors, with studies suggesting that anywhere from 21% to 67% of mental health providers may experience high levels of burnout (Vivolo, 2024). Key factors contributing to burnout include demanding workloads, high client needs, and emotional exhaustion. It is important that counselors recognize the physical, emotional, and psychological signs of burnout, including fatigue, anxiety, and disengagement (Vivolo, 2024). Those in the counseling profession are more susceptible to burnout due to heavy emotional demands, long hours, high caseloads, and juggling school and work (Canady, 2023). To combat burnout, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue, it is essential for counselors to actively participate in the practice of self-care so that they can provide the best care for their clients. Self-care should be considered a necessity rather than an indulgence (Austin, 2023). Self-care can be holistic, encompassing physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social parts of life. A key aspect of self-care is the counselor’s ability to set boundaries. Counselors can protect their well-being by establishing clear limits and continuing to provide effective care without emotional exhaustion (Austin, 2023). If counselors are suffering from burnout, remember to reach out to your support system, such as a supervisor or fellow counselors, for help.
Austin, J. A., PhD, NCC, LPC. (2023, October 25). Changing the way we think about self-care as counselors. National Board For Certified Counselors.
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