Interacting with clients daily on an emotional level can quickly lead to therapist burnout. This means both physical and emotional fatigue, a deterioration of empathy and lack of motivation. Helping therapists tackle burnout is important to increase productivity and boost their mental wellbeing. With that in mind, here are five ways to avoid therapist burn out:
Let them take control
Letting your therapist take more control of their day is a great way to reduce burnout. A part of this is working with them to adjust their rota, as sometimes it’s daily repetitiveness or a lack of breaks in-between appointments that can cause the burnout. This can be a refreshing change and reinvigorate your therapist’s attitude towards the working day.
Eat nutritional meals
Making time for lunch is important to avoid therapist burnout, but so is making sure it’s nutritional. Fish such as salmon and sardines not only contain Vitamin D, but also Omega-3, which help with cognitive function and mental health. Eggs also contain Vitamin D, as well as protein and an amino acid that helps create serotonin – a chemical that regulates mood, sleep and behaviour.
Recognise their work
One of the important aspects to tackle during therapist burnout is making them feel good about their work. Compliments or recognising their work goes without saying, but scheduling some time out for a catch-up will likely mean more to your therapist than you may think, making them feel valued.
Engage with hobbies
Mixing work with home life means never being able to switch off, exacerbating burnout. Instead, therapists should be encouraged to take some ‘me’ time to help them recharge. Whether that’s seeing family or engaging with a hobby, it’s important they spend time away from being a therapist.
Physical activity
Quick sessions of physical activity can reduce therapist burnout. It can be something as simple as using the ten minutes between appointments to stretch their legs, half-an hour during lunch for mindful meditation or even a run after the working day. Best of all, a group run makes for a great social exercise as well as a physical one.
Core by Premier Software® take the stress out of running a business, so your staff are always clear of upcoming appointments and rotas. To find out more about how Core can help or to book a free presentation, call +44 (0)1543 466580 or fill in our consultation form here: https://www.premiersoftware.uk/book-a-consultation
