Counsellor Well-Being

We too need support ourselves -- and it's okay to acknowledge that. Here are more resources if you feel the need for mental health support yourself. 

These resources are not meant in any way to replace professional help. Please reach out for help in your area if you are in need. 

Understand & Battle Burnout

Counsellors are prone to burnout. I compiled possible reasons why and how to combat it in the following article.

• Why counsellors are prone to burnout – and how to combat it

Establish Boundaries 

Boundaries are so important! Most interpersonal problems can be boiled down to boundaries. How can we effectively set boundaries, especially in a role with so many demands?

• How to establish boundaries as a counsellor

• Four tips on creating proper boundaries for yourself

• General article about boundaries

Maintain Rest

Rest is important! A quiz and an article for you. 

• Quiz about what type of rest you need

• Article on 7 types of rest

Borrow resources from student-facing side 

I hope it was obvious as you read through the Part 2 of the website, but these resources are very well easily applied to counsellors as well. Borrow & apply without shame! 

My personal favorites: 

• Circles of control 

• Coping statements

• Self-Care Assessment

• Feelings wheel

• Battling Perfectionism 

• What is perfectionism 

• Goal breakdown

• Positive traits & strengths

• Anything on Self-Compassion 

Try AI therapy

First things first -- AI therapy cannot replace in-person / human therapy. However, it can provide a possible outlet. Instead of giving recommendations for specific AI, here are 3 articles that you can refer to if you're interested in exploring this route. 

Forbes article (reviews 4 examples), Positive Psychology (trustworthy website) article (quite detailed, more examples), Guardian article (general analysis of the situation)

Find a Community - Associations to Join

Communities are really important to well-being as human beings are incredibly social creatures. Also these communities can be a treasure trove of information/resources. Look for the local counsellor communities, and consider joining these global ones as well.  

• International Association of College Admissions Counselling - https://www.internationalacac.org/ 

• International School Counselor Association -  https://www.iscainfo.com/ (possibly more for comprehensive / social emotional counsellors) 

If you have any further recommendations to add to this page, please don't hesitate to reach out.