Leaving It at the Office, First Edition: A Guide to Psychotherapist Self-Care

Wise, warm, and authoritative, this straight-talking guide addresses the real-world struggles that psychotherapists face in balancing their professional and personal lives. It demonstrates that recognizing and tending to one's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs not only feels good--it also leads to more effective and ethical practice as a clinician. The book describes and illustrates 12 self-care strategies that are grounded in the authors' extensive research and clinical experience. Interwoven throughout are insights and recommendations from other master therapists, "self-care checklists," and suggestions for further reading. Lively and engaging, this affordable resource is ideal for a broad range of professionals and students.

Table of Contents:
Valuing the Person of the Psychotherapist. Refocusing on the Rewards. Laidig, Recognizing the Hazards. Minding the Body. Nurturing Relationships. Setting Boundaries. Turkson, Restructuring Cognitions. Karg, Sustaining Healthy Escapes. Creating a Flourishing Environment. Undergoing Personal Therapy. Cultivating Spirituality and Mission. Fostering Creativity and Growth.

About the Author :
John C. Norcross, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Scranton, PA, USA and James D. Guy, Jr., PhD, Headington Institute, Pasadena, CA, USA

Review :
'A true gem. This book combines an insightful review of relevant research with wisdom derived from decades of clinical experience, in a warm, humorous, and thought - provoking manner. It should be read (and periodically reread!) by all psychotherapists and those in training. Norcross and Guy provide practical suggestions that take psychotherapist self-care, self-awareness, and self-action to a new level.' -" Jeffrey E. Barnett, PsyD, President-Elect, American Psychological Association Division 29 (Psychotherapy) Affiliate Professor, Loyola College in Maryland, USA" 'This is a special book and one that is needed. Professional impairment is a major problem in all of the mental health professions, and prevention is the key to dealing with burnout. This book contains a wealth of practical information that readers can apply to keep themselves vital, both as persons and professionals. Throughout, the authors interweave key research findings with their own personal and clinical experiences. Every counseling educator and psychology educator could benefit from reading this book and incorporating these topics into their training programs.' - "Gerald Corey, EdD, Department of Human Services (Emeritus), California State University, Fullerton, USA" 'As psychotherapists, we specialize in caring for others. This thoughtfully crafted book underscores the necessity and value of caring for ourselves. It highlights how meaningful and personally tailored self-care plans can alleviate the stress associated with being psychotherapists and bolster clinical effectiveness. Myriad appealing and effective self-care strategies are offered; the Self-Care Checklists at the end of each chapter are especially useful tools.' "- Nadine Kaslow, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University" 'Work and family stresses constitute significant contributing factors to psychotherapist burnout, professional lapses, and ethical complaints. Norcross and Guy have provided a superb roadmap and guide to prevention of such problems. They provide well-validated strategies and ways of thinking needed to stay on track in a stressful and demanding occupation not usually recognized as such. We could probably cut professional liability insurance rates and ethical complaints significantly, if we could only get all of our colleagues to read and follow this book's wise advice.' -" Gerald P. Koocher, PhD, School for Health Studies, Simmons College, USA"