Episode 109: Self Care Is More Than Walks On The Beach: Vicarious Trauma 101 [featuring Jenny Hughes]

Self-care is so much more than bubble baths and long walks on the beach. As helping professionals, we so often put our needs second, leaving us to pour from an empty cup. During this episode of the All Things Private Practice Podcast, I speak with Jenny Hughes, psychologist and vicarious trauma specialist. 1️⃣ Vicarious trauma is an inevitable part of our work as therapists, helpers, and healers. We are empathic beings who soak up the stress and trauma of our clients. Without effective strategies to "wring out the sponge," this can lead to difficulties such as compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout. 2️⃣ It's disheartening to see the high rate of mental health professionals leaving the field due to burnout. However, there's nothing wrong with leaving any profession. The crucial aspect is making an informed decision with intentionality. By exploring realistic and sustainable ways to manage burnout, you can find a path that aligns with your well-being and professional aspirations. 3️⃣ Self-care goes beyond bubble baths and beach walks. While these activities bring temporary relief, they don't address the root causes of burnout. It's essential for therapists to give themselves permission to acknowledge their struggles and imperfections. By implementing effective self-care strategies and seeking support, we can recharge and bring our best selves to our clients. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️Google 🗨️ Join the free All Things Private Practice FB Community  –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– A Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad, Alma, & Therapy Notes ✨ The Receptionist for iPad: I would also like to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option. ✨ Alma: I would also like to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode. Alma makes it easy and financially rewarding to accept insurance. When you join their insurance program, you can get credentialed within 45 days and access enhanced reimbursement rates with major payers. They also handle all of your paperwork from eligibility checks to claim submissions, and they guarantee payment within two weeks of each appointment. You can also attract clients who are the right fit for your practice with a free profile in Alma's searchable directory. Additionally, Alma offers time-saving tools and administrative support, so you can spend less time on paperwork and more time delivering great care to your clients. Get your first month free with Alma by visiting helloalma.com/ATPP. ✨Therapy Notes I would also like to thank Therapy Notes for sponsoring this episode. TherapyNotes™ is a complete practice management system with everything you need to manage patient records, schedule appointments, meet with patients remotely, create rich documentation, and bill insurance, right at your fingertips. Their streamlined software is accessible wherever and whenever you need it. Go to therapynotes.com and get 2 free months when you use code ATPP.