Self care in therapy is more than a wellness trend—it’s a vital part of effective healing for both therapists and clients. Whether you’re a clinician supporting others or a client navigating your own emotional journey, self care in therapy helps sustain balance, presence, and growth.

For the Therapist: Why Self Care in Therapy Is Crucial

Prevents Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

Therapists are constantly exposed to others' trauma, pain, and emotional struggles. Practicing self care in therapy—through rest, supervision, and mindfulness—reduces burnout, vicarious trauma, and empathy fatigue.

Ensures Ethical and Effective Practice

A well-rested, emotionally balanced therapist is more likely to provide high-quality care and maintain professional boundaries. Ethical bodies also highlight the importance of clinician self-care (see APA on therapist self care).

Promotes Presence and Attunement

Therapists need to be fully present and attuned to clients. Neglecting self-care can impair focus, empathy, and judgment during sessions.

Models Healthy Behavior

By practicing self-care, therapists model healthy coping strategies and emotional regulation for clients, reinforcing its value in healing.

Sustains Longevity in the Profession

Long-term therapeutic work can be draining. Self care in therapy helps therapists stay committed, energized, and passionate about their work over the years.

For the Client: Why Self Care in Therapy Matters

Empowers Personal Responsibility

Self-care teaches clients to take ownership of their emotional, physical, and mental well-being, rather than relying solely on therapy or external support.

Builds Coping Skills

It encourages the development of healthy habits, stress-management techniques, and emotional regulation strategies that are essential outside the therapy room.

Enhances Therapy Outcomes

Clients who engage in regular self care in therapy often experience greater progress because they’re reinforcing healing behaviors in daily life.

Improves Resilience and Self-Esteem

Self-care fosters a sense of self-worth, personal value, and resilience, helping clients deal with setbacks and emotional distress more effectively.

Supports Recovery from Trauma, Anxiety, or Depression

In mental health treatment, especially for trauma, self-care is a foundational practice for establishing safety, stability, and emotional regulation. See Trauma & PTSD and Anxiety & Depression to learn more.

Self Care in Therapy as a Shared Value in the Therapeutic Relationship

When both therapist and client value and practice self care in therapy, it creates a therapeutic environment rooted in mutual respect, balance, and authenticity. It allows therapy to be more than a treatment — it becomes a collaborative space where growth and well-being are actively nurtured.

Why It Matters in the Therapeutic Relationship

  1. Modeling and Mirroring Therapists who actively practice and model self-care show clients that it is not just advice — it is a lived and respected value. Clients learn that self-care is not selfish, but essential for growth and mental health.
  2. Normalizing Human Limits A therapist who acknowledges their own boundaries and need for rest helps normalize this for clients. It challenges beliefs that “pushing through pain” is noble and instead promotes sustainable wellness.
  3. Mutual Accountability and Empowerment When self-care is discussed openly, the client is empowered to take ownership of their healing. The therapist maintains emotional and professional integrity, staying grounded and effective.
  4. Promotes Authenticity and Trust A therapist who walks the talk creates a space where clients feel safe to be vulnerable, admit struggles, and explore what they truly need. This builds trust and supports honest work.
  5. Encourages Collaboration Therapy becomes a collaborative journey where self-care is discussed, tested, and refined together. Therapist and client can co-create personalized self-care plans that align with values, culture, and daily life.

Self-Care Strategies for Therapists

  • Regular supervision or consultation with peers
  • Personal therapy or counseling
  • Journaling about clinical experiences (maintaining confidentiality)
  • Setting boundaries with clients (e.g., no emails after hours)

Self-Care Strategies for Clients

Emotional

  • Identifying and expressing emotions (journaling, art)
  • Mindfulness, meditation, or grounding exercises
  • Setting boundaries in relationships
  • Seeking social support or talking to trusted people

Physical

  • Consistent sleep
  • Nutritious meals
  • Movement (even a short daily walk)
  • Relaxation techniques (e.g., progressive muscle relaxation)

Mental & Cognitive

  • Reading, learning, or other stimulating activities
  • Limiting social media or news intake
  • Self-compassion and positive self-talk
  • Challenging unhelpful thought patterns learned in therapy

Practical

  • Consistent daily routines
  • Organizing tasks and setting realistic goals
  • Managing finances and responsibilities in manageable chunks

Spiritual (if applicable)

  • Spiritual practice or prayer
  • Time in nature
  • Reflection on values and life purpose
Examples of integration into practice: transition rituals between sessions (short walk, mindful breathing); daily reflective practice (one insight gained and one gratitude); blocking non-client time for notes, lunch, or decompression. Ultimately, practicing self care in therapy sustains both therapist and client in their journey toward balance, connection, and mental wellness.