With the first series of my self-care for therapists group now complete, I'd like to share our diagram where we brainstormed both tried-and-true and brand new ways we can honor the self:
Some of the phrases the group used to define self care included "honoring the self," "refilling the well," and "making time and space to be mindful of my parts." (You can see these around the center of the drawing, on the green petals.)
The image above contains collective wisdom about the ways many of us may already be working self-care into our lives, and it also contains ideas that might be new to you for considering how you might refuel and practice gentleness and kindness with yourself.
We looked at how we can offer ourselves care in the following categories, and I've listed just a few examples below:
Physical
- sleep/naps
- exercise (running, yoga...)
- diet/nutrition (gut health, eating breakfast...)
- self-pampering (massage, spa day...)
- medical care (regular check-ups, bodywork, natural supplements...)
Emotional
- therapy (self-study, self-inquiry)
- art (can also be physical, spiritual, and social!)
- writing (creative writing, journaling...)
- alone time
- travel
Social
- spending time with loved ones
- setting healthy boundaries
- community involvement
- picking up a new hobby
Spiritual
- daily practice (mindfulness, prayer, meditation, ritual...)
- retreats
- energy work
- spending time in nature
Spatial
- declutter your space
- creating a sacred space at home (altar, resting place...)
- fresh flowers/plants and natural light
- playing music you love
- memorabilia or photos that are reminders of joy
- choosing clothes you feel good wearing
In discussing how therapists can honor their therapist selves around their work day, I presented ideas surrounding client sessions. For example, we covered:
- how therapists/healers might prepare for their work day (physically, spatially, mentally, spiritually)
- how therapists can honor (and not abandon) themselves during therapy sessions, and
- how therapists can cleanse, refuel, and honor themselves after their work day
Notes on these can be seen on the left side of the diagram above; however, it is important to create rituals that are personal and unique to you.
In my private practice, many of my clients are other therapists, therapy graduate students and interns, healers, and caregivers who wish to create personalized, sustainable ways of making self care part of their daily rituals. If you'd like to connect with me for a free 20-minute consultation to see if I may be able to help you, please contact me.
I plan to offer a similar group later this year, most likely in autumn. Stay tuned to find out when by signing up for my e-newsletter (over there in the right column) and by following me on Facebook and/or Twitter.
