How to wind up after sessions? Therapist edition

Author: Sadhana Singh, Counselling Psychologist 

Editor: EmptyCare Team   

Updated: 20th March 2023  

Are you a practicing psychologist? If yes, do you think you take out time for yourself after each session? Many therapists may find themselves moving from one session to the next each day, potentially leading to burnout. As a result, it's crucial to prioritize self-care. 

Therapists are trained professionals who provide counselling and support to individuals seeking assistance for mental and emotional challenges. 

Yes, we (therapists) are humans too. You work with clients from various backgrounds, ages, and cultural groups, helping them to navigate life's challenges and improve their mental and emotional well-being. As you guide clients through their journey towards healing and growth, you yourself undergo a range of emotions and experiences that require attention and care. Let's explore how therapists wind up after a session or multiple sessions with their clients, what is the most fulfilling way to finish the day, how you practice self-love, and how you leave therapy behind with work when you go back home.  

1. Why do Therapists need to wind up after every session? 

When therapists finish a session or multiple sessions with clients, they may feel a range of emotions: 

• Depending on the nature of the sessions, a therapist may feel drained, elated, sad, energized, or numb 
• They may also feel a sense of accomplishment or disappointment, depending on how well the sessions went 
• It is common for therapists to experience what is known as "compassion fatigue," a condition that occurs when they absorb the emotions and traumas of their clients, leading to emotional exhaustion and burnout 

Therefore, it is crucial for a therapist to wind up after a session or multiple sessions with self-care activities that help them recharge and replenish their energy 

1. Why self-love and ways of practice self-love for therapists after therapy?  

Self-love is an essential practice for therapists to maintain their mental and emotional well-being. Self-love involves treating oneself with kindness, compassion, and respect, and prioritizing one's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs  

• Some ways in which you can practice self-love include:  
• Setting boundaries with clients 
• Taking regular breaks throughout the day 
• Engaging in positive self-talk 
• Practicing mindfulness 
• Seeking support from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors 
• Practicing self-compassion, not every session would lead them to self-doubt, but a few would. Remind yourself, you are doing your best, however, continue learning through research, supervisions and sessions 

• How do therapists wind up their days? 

Maintaining a healthy separation between their personal and professional lives by leaving their work at the office is crucial for you in establishing and preserving healthy boundaries. 

The process of winding up the call involves consciously letting go of any residual emotions, thoughts, or concerns related to their work as a therapist. Sit for 5-7 mins with your thoughts on the sessions and articulate these thoughts in your therapy notebook.  

• Grounding techniques: Some ways in which you can wind up include engaging in grounding exercises, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, journaling or reflecting on their day, engaging in hobbies or activities that bring them joy, or setting a clear intention for the end of their workday.  
• Routine: Set a routine for yourself after every session or after a long day of work. This routine could include some of the above-mentioned techniques like mindfulness, setting tomorrow’s calendar, following up with the clients, switching off your laptop, cleaning your table and calling it a day. Do not go back to the table for work after the routine.  
• Physical activity: Some of you find it helpful to engage in physical activities like yoga, running, or hiking to release pent-up emotions and stress 
• Socializing: Others may prefer to spend time with loved ones, indulge in hobbies, or simply rest and relax 
• Your activity: Explore and experiment with a few activities that brings you joy and peace to your mind and body. For example, playing an instrument, dancing or doodling.  

In conclusion, therapists play a crucial role by helping individuals navigate their life's challenges and improve their mental and emotional well-being, but you need to take care of yourself too. By prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being, as a therapist you can continue to provide compassionate and effective care to your clients. 

Self-care is not selfish, it's essential.