Self-Care for Child Therapists: Avoiding Burnout

Supporting children through their struggles is meaningful work, but it can also be emotionally exhausting. As a child therapist, you give so much of yourself to your clients. It is easy to forget that you need care too. Burnout does not happen overnight. It builds over time when your emotional and physical energy run low.

Here are a few simple ways to protect your well-being and keep showing up as the therapist you want to be.

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Set Boundaries That Protect Your Energy

When your job is to help others, it is tempting to always say yes. But without clear boundaries, burnout can sneak up fast.

Stick to a set work schedule and resist the urge to check emails after hours.
Create a transition routine at the end of your workday, like a short walk or deep breathing exercise, to shift into personal time.
Give yourself permission to say no to extra commitments when your plate is full.

Make Time for Rest and Joy

Self-care is not just about bubble baths and vacations. It is about finding little moments of rest and happiness in your everyday life.

Prioritize sleep by creating a bedtime routine that helps you wind down.
Move your body in ways that feel good, whether that is stretching between sessions or going for a walk.
Do something just for fun, like reading, cooking, or listening to a favorite podcast.

These small acts of care add up, helping you feel more balanced and refreshed.

Stay Connected and Ask for Support

Therapists spend so much time supporting others that it is easy to forget they need support too.

Talk to colleagues who understand the challenges of the job.
Join a therapist support group to share experiences and coping strategies.
Engage in clinical supervision to help process tough cases and share the clinical load.
Reach out to loved ones for connection and encouragement.

You do not have to carry everything alone. Leaning on your support system can make a big difference.

Check In With Yourself Regularly

Burnout often creeps in slowly, so it is important to check in with yourself before you reach the breaking point. Ask yourself:

Am I feeling more drained than usual?
Have I been taking time for things that bring me joy?
Do I need to adjust my schedule or workload?

If you are feeling overwhelmed, do not wait. Make small changes now to protect your well-being.

You Deserve Care Too

Being a child therapist is meaningful work, but it is also demanding. Prioritizing your well-being does not mean you care less about your clients. It means you are making sure you can keep doing this work in a way that feels sustainable.

What is one small thing you can do today to take care of yourself? Start there.

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