Comment on “The Self-Care of Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals” (Dattilio, 2015)

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 405-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth I Pakenham
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Self Care ◽  
The Self

scholarly journals Conceptual and experiential estrangement of the self - a neo-Fregean elucidation

2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
C W Van Staden
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
The Self ◽  
Personal Experiences

Reductionist and non-reductionist philosophers and mental health professionals have debated about what and where the self is. In this article I deploy a neo-Fregean theory to clarify the process by which: (i) the self becomes so susceptible to this debate; and (ii) the self presents so variably in personal experiences. Accordingly, the self can be either estranged or well equipped, depending on the position it occupies in relations, whether in the conceptualisation or in the personal experiences of the self.

New Identities for the New Century

2001 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 335-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Freud
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
The Self ◽  
Static Structure ◽  
Socially Constructed ◽  
The Many

In view of our postmodern Zeitgeist, and our shrinking world, we come upon identity as a concept that needs to be reconsidered. This paper examines the various categories that constitute identity, such as age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, race and even family. Each category forms a collection of values. These categories are viewed as socially constructed, usually with fuzzy boundaries, and have often been used for malignant purposes such as warfare, persecution, and discrimination. If people become identified with only one or two categories, either out of choice or through coercion, the identification negates the many elements that constitute the self, and it may lead to hostility and warfare against all “outsiders.” Identity is not viewed as a static structure, since different categories become foreground or background, depending on social, political, and historical circumstances. The author uses her own identity-voyage to illustrate her thoughts. Mental health professionals should try to propagate manifold categories for many-sided selves that will avoid pitting groups of people against each other and promote inclusive rather than exclusive identities. Therapists should be in the forefront in dialogues about values for the new century and this paper is a step in this direction.

As a Professional, I Don’t Need to Worry About Self-Care

2019 ◽  
pp. 148-153
Author(s):  
Jeffrey E. Barnett ◽  
Jeffrey Zimmerman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Mental Health Clinicians ◽  
Personal Lives ◽  
Over Time

All mental health professionals are at risk for developing symptoms of burnout and other stress-related difficulties over time. The practice of mental health can be very challenging and demanding. Mental health clinicians bring with them their own histories of emotional vulnerabilities, and they experience challenges and difficulties in their personal lives. These factors can combine to place mental health clinicians at risk for experiencing problems with professional competence and judgment. This chapter explains these challenges and risks as well as the role ongoing self-care can play to prevent these difficulties. Self-care is explained, and examples are provided to illustrate the range of actions one may take to maintain ongoing wellness and competence. Risk factors and blind spots are highlighted, potential pitfalls to avoid are reviewed, and recommendations for addressing these proactively are provided.

Self-care and Well-being in Mental Health Professionals: The Mediating Effects of Self-awareness and Mindfulness

2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Richards ◽  
C. Campenni ◽  
Janet Muse-Burke
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Mediating Effects ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Significant Mediator

Because mental health professionals are susceptible to impairment and burnout that may negatively affect clinical work, it is ethically imperative that they engage in self-care. Previous research has found direct effects of self-care on self-awareness and well-being (e.g., Coster & Schwebel, 1997). Likewise, mindfulness has been found to positively affect well-being (Brown & Ryan, 2003). However, no studies currently available demonstrate a link between self-awareness and well-being. Mindfulness may be the link needed to support this association. A survey of mental health professionals (N = 148) revealed that mindfulness is a significant mediator between self-care and well-being. Consequently, mental health professionals are encouraged to explore their involvement in and beliefs about self-care practices.

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