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THERAPIST SELF-CARE

1. In self-care, there are two common questions that therapists often have: "How do I manage my own reactions to hearing graphic, painful memories?" and "How do I feel about pushing patients to confront these memories?"
2. There are many strategies that have helped others answer these questions:
   1. 1. Remind yourself about the benefits and efficacy of the therapy.
      1. Study the efficacy data and reinforce for yourself that what you're doing is effective and necessary.
      2. Remind yourself that emotional processing, while difficult, is beneficial to the patient.
      3. Let the model guide you. As your patients habituate to the trauma memories over the course of treatment, you can as well.
   2. Don't force the issue. Make recommendations, but don't try to compel unwilling clients to do exposures.
   3. Request expert supervision or consult with peers if you feel like you need technical and emotional support.
   4. Start or join a group that meets regularly to discuss trauma cases.
   5. Seek professional help for yourself if you start to feel symptoms of depression or anxiety and if speaking with an expert or your peers isn't helping.
   6. Exercise and take care of yourself. Make sure you have sleep, nutrition, recreation, and social support.
3. There are also several methods of self-assessment, such as the Professional Quality of Life Questionnaire.