Caring for the Caregivers: Burnout & Compassion Fatigue Solutions for BIPOC Mental Health Practitioners
Presenters
Danielle L. McDowell, M.S., LPC, Virginia Board of Counseling Approved Supervisor
Danielle L. McDowell, M.S., LPC, is the owner and lead therapist of LIT Therapy, LLC, where she passionately empowers individuals, couples, and families to heal and grow. With over a decade of experience, Danielle specializes in helping clients navigate challenges such as stress, trauma, and relationship dynamics. She is a Virginia Board of Counseling Approved Supervisor, providing guidance to emerging therapists, and is dedicated to community education.
Private Practice: LITTherapy
We offer virtual outpatient psychotherapy to individuals and couples in Virginia and Florida. Danielle offers clinical supervision to interns and Residents in Counseling.
Coaching Company: Reclaiming My Wellness
We offer coaching, community trainings, couples and women’s retreats, wellness products, and services.
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Felicia Garrett, M.A., LPC, BCC, CIMHP
Felicia is an enthusiastic champion for personal and community wellness. Felicia is the owner of Renewed Perspectives Counseling and Consulting and the founder of NourisHer Collective. Felicia is a compassionate advocate for wellness and enjoys sharing her zeal and knowledge with others on pursuing a life of holistic (mind, body and soul) wellness. Felicia has extensive experience in working with individuals, couples, groups and organizations addressing self-care, marital crisis, mental health wellness and team cohesiveness and development. Her extensive experience as a psychotherapist, facilitator, coach and servant leader is evident in her professional and personal work. Felicia is a Virginia Board of Counseling Approved Supervisor that enjoys working with students and residents on their journey to licensure.
Private Practice: Renewed Perspectives Counseling & Consulting
We are an online, tele-health, counseling practice that provides psychotherapy to Virginia residents.
Coaching: NourisHer
This coaching community is designed to support, encourage, educate, nurture and provide accountability to Superwomen who are ready to live un-caped in mind, body and spirit.
Session Details
Session Abstract
BIPOC clinical professionals often face unique challenges in their work environments, including systemic inequities, racial microaggressions, and heightened emotional stress. These factors contribute significantly to compassion fatigue and burnout. This workshop is designed to equip BIPOC counselors with effective strategies to manage and mitigate these challenges, fostering resilience and promoting sustained professional health.
Understanding Compassion Fatigue and Burnout:
The session will begin with an overview of compassion fatigue and burnout, differentiating between the two and discussing their common symptoms and underlying causes. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these issues manifest and impact their work and personal lives, with a particular focus on the additional stressors faced by BIPOC professionals.
Self-Care Techniques:
A major focus will be on self-care strategies tailored to the unique needs of BIPOC counselors. Participants will explore various self-care practices, such as physical exercise, healthy eating, adequate rest, and engaging in culturally relevant activities. The importance of setting aside regular time for self-care and making it a priority will be emphasized, recognizing the additional self-care needs arising from the intersectionality of their identities.
Mindfulness Practices:
Mindfulness and meditation practices will be introduced as powerful tools to reduce stress and enhance emotional regulation. Attendees will learn simple yet effective mindfulness exercises that can be easily integrated into their daily routines. Guided mindfulness sessions will demonstrate how to achieve mental clarity and emotional balance, incorporating elements that resonate with BIPOC experiences.
Professional Boundaries:
Establishing and maintaining professional boundaries is crucial in preventing burnout. The workshop will cover strategies for setting clear boundaries with clients, colleagues, and within the work environment. This includes managing workload, saying no when necessary, and ensuring a healthy work-life balance, taking into account the cultural expectations and pressures that BIPOC professionals may face.
Peer Support and Supervision:
The role of peer support and supervision in managing compassion fatigue and burnout will be discussed. Participants will learn the benefits of seeking regular supervision and connecting with peers for mutual support. Creating a supportive network and utilizing supervision to process challenging cases and emotions will be highlighted. Interactive activities will encourage participants to form supportive connections with fellow attendees.
Developing a Personal Resilience Plan:
The session will conclude with an interactive exercise where participants will develop their personal resilience plans. This plan will include tailored strategies and resources for self-care, mindfulness, professional boundaries, and peer support. Participants will leave with a concrete action plan to enhance their resilience and well-being.
Session Learning Objectives
Understand the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue and burnout in BIPOC clinical professionals.
Implement effective self-care strategies to promote physical and emotional well-being, considering the unique needs of BIPOC professionals.
Practice mindfulness techniques to manage stress and enhance emotional regulation, incorporating culturally relevant elements.
Establish and maintain professional boundaries to prevent burnout, tailored to the experiences of BIPOC professionals.
Develop a personal resilience plan to sustain long-term professional health, fostering supportive networks within the BIPOC community.
Interactive Techniques
The workshop will be highly interactive, involving hands-on activities, role-playing scenarios, and group discussions. Participants will engage in exercises such as creating personalized self-care plans, practicing mindfulness techniques, and developing professional boundary-setting strategies. Group activities will facilitate the creation of supportive networks, encouraging ongoing peer support among BIPOC clinical professionals.
Published Articles
Clay, R. (2018). Are you burned out? Monitor in Psychology. 49(2), 30.https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/02/ce-corner
Baker, C., Gabriel, L. (2021). Exploring how therapists engage in self-care in times of personal distress. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 49:3, 435-444, DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2021.1885010
Rokach, A., Boulazreg, S.(2022). The COVID-19 era: How therapists can diminish burnout symptoms through self-care. Current Psychology, 41(8) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-01149-6
Wityk, T. L. (2003). Burnout and the ethics of self-care for therapists. Alberta Counsellor, 28(1), 4-11. https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/trade-journals/burnout-ethics-self-care-therapists/docview/222697801/se-2
Resources
Circle of Life Assessment - Link here
Circle of Life Keywords & Descriptions - Link here
Self-care Assessment, From Therapist Aid - Link Here
Stay connected to a Therapists Community, TherapistsDAO - Link Here
Reclaim My Sparkle: A Busy Woman’s Guide To Soulful Self-care - Written by Danielle L. McDowell, LPC - Link Here
