If you’re a helping professional you have likely gravitated towards the work of serving others in their transformation because you’re wired for it. You’re naturally empathetic, caring, and sensitive. It’s a perfect fit for your giant heart to help others heal theirs. But you may find yourself feeling drained after sessions. You might even think about quitting the calling you love as you careen towards burnout in a body that hurts.
According to the American Psychological Association, burnout among mental health professionals ranges between 21-61%. Symptoms of burnout include a lack of feeling compassion for clients (also known as compassion fatigue), emotional exhaustion, and even physical illness. You may be sick with stress-related headaches and digestive disorders from taking on the emotional weight of your clients in addition to carrying your own emotional burdens.
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