Creating a healthy work environment for the well-being of a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist

Abstract

The work of a cognitive behavioural therapist is associated with a number of factors contributing to the feeling of satisfaction as well as many concerns. Studies show that psychotherapists are vulnerable to the effects of distress which, if left unattended, lead to burnout and serious professional impairments. Even though it has been emphasised that self-care of a psychotherapist is more of an imperative than an option, all too often professionals ignore their needs. Among the most common self-care myths cognitive behavioural therapists believe in, one may find the assumptions that self-care is optional, the knowledge how to look after oneself is equivalent to managing it, and coping is identical to being a therapist. Responsibility for oneself is usually an optional topic during education and supervision processes. Even though articles on that subject are widely available, it is important to analyse the problem of self-care, and to propose ways for creating a healthy work environment for cognitive behavioural therapists. In the article, the core ideas concerning the cognitive behavioural model of therapy are presented, and the cognitive behavioural model of burnout is described. In addition, the role of self-care in professional activity among cognitive behavioural psychotherapists is examined. The data on the role of awareness, balance, flexibility, and health in increasing self-care practices among psychotherapists is presented, and the importance of a proactive approach to self-care is highlighted. Furthermore, the main ideas that should be incorporated in training courses and supervision are given, together with the description of the role of supervision in psychotherapeutic work.