The Therapist, The Redesign

Throughout my career I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with amazing mental health therapists! Sadly, many of these people leave the therapy field (after 3 years on average) due to burnout, frustrating jobs, higher than normal stress levels and lack of appropriate pay. Fortunately, many of these therapists have transitioned to becoming nurses, lawyers, realtors etc. Though it saddens me, I do feel comfort in knowing that they still help the community. What can we do to prevent this from happening? How do we save the amazing therapists? Well... we teach them to redesign! 

As a therapist, it is important to continuously change aspects of yourself, your practice, daily routines etc. to prevent burnout. What does this look like you may ask? Well, let me explain.

Yourself- 

In my personal opinion, I believe that we each change daily and many of us do not embrace these changes. Fighting these changes lead to internal stress and turmoil. Why fight the change! Embrace the newness and work on adapting yourself to the change. It will be productive. You should engage in activities to help reflect the new you. 

Here are a few examples of ways to make the changes: 

·     Your mindset

·     Daily behaviors 

·     Change your hair color

·     New ways to do your nails 

·     Net of clothes 

·     New hobby

·     Cook differently

·     New networks

·     New relationships 

·     Go wild! Lol - within reason I suppose 

Making slight changes to yourself is a good thing! Allow yourself to be confident! People and clients around you will feel comfortable as they notice the new energy that you bring. Who knows, this may inspire health, change and growth in them. 

Your practice- 

      I feel that every therapist should branch out and work with different populations. You do not have to change your job completely, however sprinkle variety into your schedule! - i. e. if you work solely with children, try a few adults with anxiety etc. You may decide that you are ready to move on! 

If you feel burned out at your job, change it! There are so many environments that will be rewarding! (This does not mean walk in and quit your job right away lol) Luckily our field has outpatient clinical settings, health care centers, schools, private practices, doctors offices, children’s hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers, home centers etc— you name it! If you work in an outpatient setting, try a school setting etc!

Daily routines-

     No matter how much we enjoy routines, we all become bored of the same routine over and over again. I feel that you should change parts of your daily routines quarterly. This will help you stay fresh and have helpful coping skills. You can add a new exercise, try new foods, engage in new hobbies etc. redesigning and making subtle changes will keep you fresh!  

Surroundings- 

    Redesigning our surroundings can help our mental health also! Sometimes a change of scenery provides us with new inspiration, fresh ideas and new perspectives. You can change your surroundings in multiple ways! You can redecorate rooms in your home or your office space! If you feel that your work office space doesn’t provide the feel that you like, move to a new location! Try new activities! These activities can lead to new friendships and give you a new place to spend time! Join a new yoga class, attend an art class or hang out with a new group of people. 

       Changing slight aspects of yourself does not mean that you will become a completely different person. It means that you will add new flavors to yourself! Take your time with the redesign. You can choose to make changes monthly, quarterly, yearly or whenever you get into a funk. This concept will keep your fresh! Try it out today!