Self-Care for the Intern
There is no question that caring for oneself (self-care) is critical to the new counsellor’s professional and personal functioning (Barnett & Hamany, 2022). While the clinical work as a new therapist is very rewarding and satisfying, it can also be stressful and emotionally demanding.
The Practice of Self-Care
Without an ongoing practice of self-care, one can experience burnout and compassion fatigue (Barnett & Homany, 2022). Our ethical standards as counsellors endorse the importance of self-care as one of our ethical obligations (CCPA, 2020). However, the learning curve experienced by a counsellor in training can sometimes make it challenging to practice and maintain self-care practices.
Perhaps this could have been my own unique experience, but I found it very difficult to practice all the “shoulds” that I knew were important to keeping me balanced and “cared-for.” Juggling internship with a part-time job and family demands made it very challenging to find the time to care for myself.
In one of my seminar presentations, a fellow student presented on self care and offered a very practical tool that he called the “ABCs”s, which I found really helpful as a guide and self-monitoring tool (Pardeep, 2023). The ABC’s stand for awareness, boundaries, and connection (Pardeep, 2023), and I found this a very easy and practical guide.
Boundaries
Boundaries have been one of my weaknesses and barriers to self-care. Being aware of this helped me make some changes to ensure that I had adequate time off for personal time. Personal and professional connections with others have been crucial in providing me with the support and reassurance that I needed during some very vulnerable times, especially at the start of the practicum.
I think one’s self care practice is a unique and individual experience, but the ABCs tool may be useful and applicable to help guide one's own practice. It begins with awareness.
References
Barnett, J. E., & Homany, G. (2022). The new self care: It’s not all about you. Practice Innovations, 7(4), 313.
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (2020). Code of ethics.
Sharma, P. (2023). Self-care: Seminar presentation. [unpublished] Yorkville University
About Ontario Counselling and Psychotherapy
Individual, Couple, Family and Child Therapy
Ontario Counselling and Psychotherapy is a dedicated group of highly skilled psychotherapists and social workers based in Ottawa, Cornwall, and Toronto, with plans to expand to other cities across Ontario. Our team offers expertise in a wide range of mental health areas, ensuring that we can meet the diverse needs of our clients. We believe in an integrated approach to counselling, combining various therapeutic methods to provide the most effective support.
At Ontario Counselling and Psychotherapy, we are committed to working closely with you to understand your unique challenges and goals. We take pride in fostering strong, trusting relationships with our clients, which we believe is essential for successful therapy. Our focus is on ensuring a good fit between therapist and client, allowing for a collaborative and supportive therapeutic experience.
We provide a comprehensive range of psychotherapy services, including individual therapy, couple's therapy, family therapy, and child therapy. Our services are available to clients throughout Ontario, reflecting our commitment to making high-quality mental health support accessible to as many people as possible. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or other mental health concerns, our team is here to support you on your journey towards well-being and personal growth.
We invite you to explore our site and contact the therapist of your choice. You will find our contact information under "Our therapists" tab. If you are unsure, call the centre at (613) 699-0060 or email at ocp.therapyinfo@gmail.com, and we will answer any questions you may have, direct you to a therapist, and, if you wish, set you up with one of our therapists.