My daughter informed me that March is Social Worker Month. She is
a is a new clinician having completed her education and passing her exam in
2023. She has excited about going to work every day helping children deal with
a wide range of issues including mental health, poverty, domestic violence, and
substance abuse.
I remember going to her graduation as seeing the passion and drive
to make a difference in not only her but her classmates. They were eager to go
out and make a huge impact on people’s lives. They were hopeful that their
efforts had the power to touch hearts, inspire others and create ripple
effects.
I was most impressed by the diversity of her class in both age and
race. This variety in age and experience
contributes to a vibrant and inclusive therapeutic community, where individuals
can feel understood and supported on their journey towards mental and emotional
well-being. The diversity in ages also helps ensure that clients can find
someone they feel comfortable opening up to and seeking support from.
According to recent studies the average age of therapists and
counselors is around 42 years old. This
age range brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to their practice,
allowing them to better understand and connect with clients of various
backgrounds and ages.
As new graduates many were going to go to work in settings such as
schools, non-profit organizations and government agencies. However, according
to recent studies approximately 62% of therapists and counselors operate in
private practice or solopreneur settings. This trend has been on the rise in
recent years as more professionals are opting for the flexibility and autonomy
that comes with running their own practice.
Private practice allows therapists
and counselors to have more control over their schedules, client base, and
treatment approaches. This shift towards private practice also reflects a
growing demand for personalized and specialized mental health services in
today's society.
As society continues to evolve, the demand for clinicians and
helping professionals is on the rise. But most concerning is the increased
demands and pressures of the world that are leading to burnout. There are several reasons this is happening.
The weight of supporting individuals and families through challenging times can
take a toll on their mental and physical well-being.
World Mental Health Day is celebrated during the month of October.
In honor of that day, SimplePractice developed a study to better understand
practitioner burnout. According to the SimplePractice 2023 State of Therapist
Well-being Report, over half (52%) of mental health practitioners reported burnout
in 2023.
According to the report practitioners said or have done the
following due to burnout.
·
67% have reduced their caseload
·
49% say their burnout has gotten worse since COVID
·
55% say administrative tasks have contributed to their burnout
·
47% have questioned their ability to stay omitted to the mental
health profession
When
you look at the responsibilities and concerns of those experiencing burnout.
Here are some of the common reasons.
-
Heavy Workload – A high number of clients, paperwork, and
administrative tasks. A heavy workload can leave one feeling drained and
exhausted.
- Emotional Exhaustion: Constantly
supporting and empathizing with clients who are going through difficult
times can take a toll on clinician’s emotional well-being.
-
Lack of Work-Life Balance: Many clinicians
struggle to find a healthy balance between their work and personal life.
Long hours, weekend appointments, and being constantly on call can make it
challenging for them to unwind and recharge.
- Compassion Fatigue: Dealing with
clients' emotional pain and trauma on a daily basis can lead to compassion
fatigue.
- Vicarious Trauma: Listening to
clients' traumatic experiences can have a significant impact on one’s mental
health. They may experience symptoms of vicarious trauma, such as
intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and emotional distress, which can further
exacerbate burnout.
If
you are a mental health professional, what else would you add to the list? Does
this describe what you are experiencing? Do
you want to hear directly from an experienced clinician?
Join me Live for
“Asking for a Sister Friend”, my new weekly show which features experts and
authorities who are mental health and wellness experts. It airs every Sunday
evening at 7:00 p.m. CST on LinkedIn and Facebook.
On March 3rd we
spoke with Dacia L. Moore the CEO and founder of Second Wind Counseling and
Consulting where we had a conversation about “How to Get Your Second Wind.”
This Sunday I will have a have a candid conversation about “Therapist Burnout”
with expert Dr. Pamela Taylor.
Join
us Live or catch the replay on my YouTube Channel Dr. Janice R. Love.
Blessings,
Dr.
Janice R. Love