What a Clinical Director at Rethink First wishes they had known before entering the Clinical Services industry
Angela, Executive Director of Clinical Services, wishes someone had emphasized prioritizing self-care to mitigate the emotional toll of the human services industry; the role's demanding nature, leading to "compassion fatigue," necessitates self-awareness to recognize and address "burnout and just being emotionally taxed" before they become overwhelming.
Emotional Resilience, Self-Care, Compassion Fatigue, Burnout Prevention, Work-Life Balance
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Angela Nelson
Executive Director of Clinical Services
Rethink First
UCLA
Master's in Counseling from Cal State Northridge and Doctorate in Education from USC
Psychology
Education, Technology
Operations and Project Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and compassion fatigue. The emotional toll of working in human services can be significant, so it's crucial to develop self-awareness, identify your triggers, and implement stress-reducing strategies.
2. Build strong relationships with clients to foster trust and improve outcomes. Connecting with clients on a personal level can be beneficial but requires careful management to avoid emotional exhaustion.
3. Understand the importance of self-awareness in managing the emotional demands of the job. Knowing your limits and recognizing when you need to step back are crucial for maintaining well-being and effectiveness in this career path.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I wish someone had told me to take care of myself. Working in human services can be emotionally taxing, especially when people are struggling and you build connections with them.
I get invested in my clients, which can be tricky. It helps them feel seen and heard, but it can also take a toll on the consultant.
One way to mitigate burnout and emotional strain is to practice self-care. We hear about it often, and it's true.
It's about knowing yourself and your triggers, recognizing when you're becoming overwhelmed, and knowing what you need to do to relax or reduce stress. I wish someone had told me to watch out for these things and prioritize taking care of myself.