All Things Private Practice Podcast Episode 108: Burnout Prevention: You're So Much More Than Your Professional Identity [featuring Sarah Gilbert]
Therapists, when someone asks you about yourself, how often do you start with "I'm a mental health therapist," without actually being able to talk about the other things that make up your identity? It could be that you can't think of other roles in your life, interests, hobbies, etc.
As helpers, we so often default to "what we do for work" to describe who we are. This can be problematic, especially when we don't take care of other parts of ourselves. It leads to burnout, stress, compassion fatigue, and more.
In this episode, I talk with Sarah Gilbert, therapist and coach, about the common tendency among mental health professionals to define themselves solely by their work and how this can lead to burnout and a loss of personal identity.
3 Key Takeaways...
- Reflect on your journey: It's important to explore why you entered this field and how your identity as a helper developed. Understanding this can provide insight into how your work may be influencing your overall sense of self.
- Boundaries are crucial: Building boundaries is an essential component of self-care and preventing burnout. We must recognize that we can't be "therapists" or "healers" 24/7. It's okay to prioritize other aspects of our lives and set limits to protect our mental and emotional well-being.
- Challenge societal expectations: Society often expects mental health professionals to sacrifice their personal lives for the sake of their clients. However, we have the power to redefine success in our field. Let go of guilt and shame when prioritizing self-care and setting professional goals that align with your needs and values.
More about Sarah:
Sarah Gilbert is a coach and therapist in private practice in Connecticut. She is also a mom, a wife, an avid reader, a snarky friend, and a Ted Lasso fan. Her passion is helping humans peel away the labels and expectations that others put on them, and get connected to their unique, multifaceted identities.
Sarah's Website: sarahgilbertcoaching.com
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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad
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.
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.