Self-Care. It’s the holy grail for therapists. In graduate school, therapists are taught theories, ethics and . . . self-care. It’s vital to a Counselors ability to be a good therapist. Therapists must be their best selves in order to accompany and sometimes guide you on your journey to being your best self.
It’s also something that many therapists encourage their clients to make a priority. Mental health clinicians know how important it is and will often share that bit of advice with their clients. Our therapists at TherapyWorks want to share their chosen self-care activities with you, hopefully to encourage you to practice your own more, or if you haven’t discovered what brightens your soul yet, maybe we can help you discover it.
Maaliea, our fearless leader, makes a point to go for a run at least 4 days a week. You can often see her pushing her double stroller, even talking on her phone while she’s out pounding the pavement. But when she’s finished she is full of feel good endorphins and ready to conquer her day. She is one of the busiest people we know, but she always makes a point to get her exercise in so she can happily and energetically enjoy her days.
Annie has found that spending time with her dog recharges her battery. Annie is our dog loving therapist who has adopted a special pit bull named Lulu. Annie has the true heart of therapist (and a helper-rescuer) and this shows in her choice of dog. She knew she wanted a dog who would have a difficult time finding a loving home. She is thrilled with her choice of pet and has makes a point to go for a long walks with her dog, or just enjoys spending time with her, and spoiling her.
Ash (Ashwini) is our calm, serene counselor who gets up extra early in the morning to spend some quiet time meditating and centering herself before starting her days. She focuses on being mindful and keeping herself in the ‘now’. She can tell when she needs to spend a few extra minutes focused on re-balancing herself and always makes the effort to take all the time she needs. Just being around her, you can feel her calm, settled energy.
Sara has found that spending time outdoors helps recharge her spirit. Not a native Californian, Sara truly appreciates the gorgeous weather, the beach and mountains. When ever she can find time, or feels that she needs some quiet time, she takes off for a long hike to admire the scenery. She knows how lucky she is to live here and makes the most of it. Her time outdoors helps her hold on to her positive attitude, her youth and her smile.
Our therapists here at TherapyWorks hope you find some of these ideas helpful. And know that our therapists are here as their best selves- ready to help you, whenever and however they can.