Course Description:

Burnout: “A state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that result from long-term involvement in work situations that are emotionally demanding” (Schaufeli & Greenglass, 2001). Clinical psychology is just such an emotionally demanding work situation. As clinicians, we are vulnerable to this physical and emotional exhaustion as well as other signs of burnout such as irritability, discouragement, sense of low personal accomplishment, reduced attention and concentration within session, poor decision-making, and compromised therapeutic relationships. This webinar is intended for psychotherapists who wish to better understand and manage the symptoms of professional burnout in order to be more effective and resilient in this challenging work.

In this webinar, we will examine the phenomenon of burnout, along with the related concepts of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. Using questionnaires, self-report measures, and discussion we will consider our vulnerabilities and risks for burnout, as well as our resources and strengths. We will identify life domains where we can develop “career-sustaining behaviors” that will not only reduce or prevent burnout but will greatly enhance our work satisfaction and effectiveness. A variety of strategies for monitoring and managing burnout will be introduced, with particular attention to recent contributions from mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies. A bibliography of relevant journal articles and books is provided.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Participants will be able to

1. Identify the various manifestations of burnout and how they can impact both personal and professional well-being

2. Assess their own risks for, and manifestations of, burnout within specific aspects of personal and professional life

3. Develop and implement a plan for career-sustaining behaviors

About the Speaker:

I have been a clinical psychologist practicing in Seattle, Washington, since 1991. I trained with acceptance and commitment therapy cofounder Steve Hayes at the University of Nevada, Reno.