ABSTRACT
J. E. Barnett, E. K. Baker, N. S. Elman, and G. R. Schoener say that burnout is “the terminal phase of therapist distress.” The national mental health professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and National Association of Social Workers address in their codes of ethics the issue of clinical impairment. And perhaps the most profound area for therapists to be diligently aware of, is our own psychological wellness. Therefore, it is frequently suggested that therapists seek their own therapy as a professional safety valve to prevent overload and burnout. Quiet contemplation and reflection can provide a space for therapists to consider how to better respect the flawed but whole persons we really are. The more we can encourage new therapists to build a solid foundation for themselves early in their careers, the greater chance they have for sustaining a truly successful and meaningful practice.
