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.
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Mentioned in this episode:
The Receptionist for iPad
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
