Caring for Ourselves: A Therapist's Guide to Personal and Professional Well-Being

Course overview

This book could be subtitled, 'Physician Heal Thyself' or more appropriately, 'Therapists Prevent Thine Own Illness'. Ellen K. Baker guides the reader through waters all helping professionals must navigate in preserving their own well-being and in fortifying themselves from the unrelenting tides of stress unique to mental health practitioners. If course work in self-care was under emphasized in formal training, therapists would be wise to make this one of their continuing education selections. This helpful text is an outgrowth of Dr. Baker's long-term interest in the health of caregivers and her widely respected self-care workshops. Caring for Ourselves is enriched by the wisdom of many well known practitioners Dr. Baker interviewed regarding their own conflict between nourishing themselves and helping others. Practical suggestions address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of therapists as they balance personal and professional lives. Therapists will appreciate the sensitive discussion of their relationship needs as they more consciously participate in their own personal journey of self-care.