Self Care & Burnout

Question 1

The National Law identifies Impairment as a source of notifiable conduct. Summarise TWO possible sources of impairment.

Answer 1

The National Law requires all psychologists to make a notification to AHPRA if they form the reasonable belief that a psychologist has, during the course of their practice:

• Practiced whilst intoxicated
• Engaged in sexual misconduct
• Placed the public at risk of substantial harm due to an impairment
• Placed the public at risk due to practice that is a significant departure form accepted standards

Question 2

Identify FOUR of the signs of stress in yourself that you recognise may be a warning that you are approaching burnout.

Answer 2

Feeling Irritable

Feeling Constantly Exhausted

Grinding My teeth a night

Trouble Sleeping

Not looking after myself

Over eating - sweet foods, comfort foods

Binge watching television … a lot

Question 3

What does the term ethical distress mean? Give two examples of common causes of ethical distress.

Answer 3

Feeling distressed because of a conflict between your ethics and your actions or what needs to take place- conflicting emotions and thoughts about actions and decision that need to be made.

• Workplace decisions relating to repoting e.g. child safety reporting/harm to other reporting
• Unsupportive workplace
• Organisational policies and practices
• Organisational ethical climate
• Resourcing of services
• Colleagues
• Clients (such as non-compliance)
• Family of clients
• Political or legal climates

Question 4

What are THREE of the common causes of burnout in professional psychologists?

Answer 4

Perfectionism

Overworking

Lack of Self Care

Ethical Distress

Career Conflict (not n the right job)

Vicarious Trauma

Compassion Fatigue

Question 5

What is Ethical Distress?

Answer 5

Distressing thoughts and accompanying emotional reactions that arise in situations where there is an inconsistency between one’s beliefs and one’s actions, usually because one knows the right thing to do but feels constrained to pursue an alternative, less right course of action

(Jameton, 1984)

One is compelled into acts or omissions that are considered unethical or immoral, or one’s ethical or moral standards are compromised

Question 6

What does the National Law say about impairment?

Answer 6

1. A physical or mental impairment, disability, condition or disorder
2. That detrimentally affects the persons capacity to practice the profession
3. And in so doing places the public at risk of substantial harm

Question 7

Self Care Tips for Sessions

Answer 7

Before sessions

• Allow time between clients so you’re not rushing
• Quick relaxation before hand
• Check in on your emotions – are you in a good emotional place? Are you able to therapise well?

During and after a challenging session

• Notice your reaction
• Practice simple breathing to stay calm
• Focus on the client, here and now
• Reflect afterwards – why was this challenging? Don’t ignore reactions (e.g. frustration)
• Pause, before seeking help

Practically – around sessions generally

• Eat regularly and drink lots of water
• Leave work at the front door
• Reflect on what you did well

Question 8

Self Care Tips for the Workplace

Answer 8

• What are the unique risks to this workplace? E.g. secondary trauma
• Stay connected with colleagues
• Receive as well as give – networking, CPD, mentor
• Ask for help when needed