Clinical social workers and psychotherapists are drawn to work in the service of others. Learning to set limits on care-work is an ongoing process, especially in newer clinicians and therapists. During the initial stages of work with people requesting support for a variety of health problems, social workers and psychotherapists tend to over analyze, self-identify, and carry the emotional difficulties of clients. These are common and expected experiences in clinical work, and often become the subjects for discussion in supervision with caring, compassionate and competent supervisors. Clinical work refers to a range of regulated and alternative health services that may include massage, physiotherapy, occupational, speech and language, acupuncture, psychiatry, nursing, family medicine, and more therapies. All clinicians providing direct health care to patients or clients face challenges related to a healthy care-giving and care-taking balance. The process of care-giving is the work you provide to others seeking support. Care-taking is the work you do to take care of yourself. Every clinician, seasoned or otherwise is responsible for personal health and wellbeing. Mastering a self-care regimen takes time and practice. Seasoned practitioners and health care providers who maintain good health over the long run is never accidental. What are the strategies you use to maintain a good sense of humour, body-mass index, level of physical fitness, and spiritual wellness? What in your daily habits needs readjusting to ensure that the care-service you provide to others remains true to the original reasons for work in your field? How will you gain better control over your health moving forward?
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