All Things Private Practice Podcast 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.
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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad, Alma, & Therapy Notes
I want 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 want 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.
I want 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.
Mentioned in this episode:
Resilient Mind Counseling
It's Patrick. Some of you may know that I own a group therapy practice in North Carolina, Resilient Mind Counseling. We specialize in supporting the Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and Black, Brown, and Asian communities online and across North Carolina. We also have limited in-person openings at our offices in Asheville and Cary. We really love working with clients who are coming to terms with both Autism and ADHD discoveries later in life or questioning, as well as the intersections of race, gender, identity, and orientation. All of our therapists have lived experience and identify as AuDHD, Autistic, or ADHD. Our team of affirming therapists offers a safe, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, inclusive, and accessible space where you can show up exactly as you are—no masking, no judgment, and no need to make eye contact, just real connection and healing. We accept most commercial insurances like Blue Cross Blue Shield, United, Aetna, and Med Cost, as well as self-pay options. We currently have openings for new clients. Visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com. You can also text or call our HIPAA-compliant phone line at (828) 515-1246, or email us at scheduling@resilientmindcounseling.com.
The Receptionist for iPad
I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking. Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.