As complementary therapists, you offer invaluable support and care to your clients, working tirelessly to alleviate pain, promote wellbeing and restore balance in others. But, when doing this, it’s easy to neglect your own self-care needs.
Self-care is not just a current buzzword; it is an essential aspect of life, especially for therapists. In honour of International Self-Care Day on the 24 July, we explore the importance of self-care for holistic practitioners and the transformative impact it can have on both your personal and professional life.
Your Giving Nature
Its true that complementary therapists are typically driven by a genuine desire to help and care for others. While this altruistic nature is commendable, it can sometimes lead to emotional and physical exhaustion, and conditions like burnout, if you neglect your own wellbeing. As you extend compassion, empathy and support to your clients, you must also remember to replenish your own reserves through self-care practices. Remember: You can’t pour from an empty cup!
Nurture Mind, Body and Spirit
Self-care goes beyond pampering yourself as a complementary therapist. It involves nurturing your mind, body and spirit to maintain a healthy balance. This could be by engaging in mindfulness practices, physical activity, hobbies, spending time in nature or seeking emotional support through social connections or professional networks (such as through the local groups supported by the FHT). By attending to all aspects of your being, you can cultivate resilience and inner harmony.
Prevent Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
As aforementioned, the nature of your work as a complementary therapist exposes you to emotional demands that can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue if not addressed or actioned properly. Regular self-care acts as a safeguard against these risks as, by recognising and tackling signs of stress or emotional strain early on, you can continue to provide high-quality care without comprising your own wellbeing.
In the winter issue of FHT’s magazine, we spoke to expert and author of The Thriving Giver, Sarah Kuipers, about burnout and how to best manage it as a working therapy practitioner. Members of the FHT can view this article, and more, in the Member’s Area on the FHT website.
Set Healthy Boundaries
It’s hard not to invest deeply in your clients’ journeys but this can sometimes blur the line between your personal and professional life. Constantly absorbing others’ emotional burdens can lead to emotional exhaustion and prevent you from providing the best care. Establishing healthy boundaries is vital to protect your emotional space and avoid overextending yourself. Learning to say ‘no’ when needed and delegating tasks can help preserve your energy and focus.
Inspire by Example
Practising self-care not only benefits you personally but it also serves as an inspiring example for your clients. By embodying the principles of self-nurturing, you can encourage your clients to prioritise their own wellbeing, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Enhance Empathy and Understanding
When you engage in self-care, you deepen your understanding of the treatments that you offer yourself. By experiencing the benefits of self-nurturing first-hand, it can help you gain insights that can enrich your own therapeutic approaches, leading to more empathetic and effective treatments.
It’s important to remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, allowing you to sustain your passion and energy. By embracing self-care practices, you can help prevent burnout, set healthy boundaries and inspire your clients through example. In doing so, you help cultivate a deeper understanding of complementary therapy and experience the profound impact of caring for yourself.
Let this International Self-Care Awareness Day be the first step in investing in your own wellbeing, if you aren’t already. Make sure to establish a consistent self-care routine in order to continue shining your light and love of helping others.
Written by the FHT team
FHT Blog 
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