While learning how to assist others in managing their mental health, have you stopped to think about how you tend to your own?
As psychologists, we work in highly demanding environments, providing emotional support, navigating complex client presentations, and managing ethical responsibilities. With these demands, self-care is not optional—it is essential for maintaining our own well-being, preventing burnout, and ensuring we provide competent and ethical care to our clients.
But what self-care strategies are most effective for psychologists? Let’s explore key ways to maintain balance and safeguard your mental health.
1. Practice Emotional Regulation
Mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation, and other grounding exercises can help reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. Research supports mindfulness as an effective tool in reducing burnout, anxiety, and depression. Implementing brief mindfulness exercises at the beginning and end of your workday can help you transition between your professional and personal life, keeping stress from accumulating.
2. Prioritise Self-Compassion
Are you treating yourself with the same compassion that you extend to your clients? Many psychologists hold unrelenting standards for themselves, feeling pressure to always perform at a high level. Self-compassion involves acknowledging your own struggles with kindness rather than criticism. When you notice self-doubt creeping in, pause and ask:
✔ How can I show myself grace today?
✔ Would I speak to a client the way I’m speaking to myself right now?
✔ What do I need to feel supported in this moment?
3. Engage in Regular Physical Activity
We often encourage clients to exercise for mental health, yet it’s easy to neglect it ourselves. Physical activity is one of the best natural antidepressants, helping regulate mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Whether it’s a short walk, yoga, weight training, or dancing, prioritise movement that feels good to you.
4. Seek Supervision & Professional Support
Psychologists often work in isolation, which can take a toll on emotional resilience. Supervision provides a supportive space to reflect, process challenging cases, and gain guidance. If you’re feeling emotionally exhausted or overwhelmed, it might be time to increase supervision sessions or seek your own therapy. Having a dedicated space to unpack your emotional load helps sustain your work in the long term.
5. Connect With Others in the Profession
Talking to people who 'just get it' can be incredibly validating and normalising. Whether it’s through peer supervision, professional networking, or psychologist-only communities, surrounding yourself with colleagues who understand the unique challenges of this profession can be a powerful buffer against burnout.
6. Set Clear Work & Personal Boundaries
✔ Do you struggle to ‘switch off’ after work?
✔ Do you find yourself overextending emotionally in personal relationships, always in ‘helper mode’?
✔ Are you answering client emails and thinking about cases long after hours?
Setting boundaries is critical to maintaining emotional balance and preventing compassion fatigue. Establish limits around:
✔ Work hours – Stick to designated work times and avoid working outside of them.
✔ Client communication – Have clear policies on after-hours contact.
✔ Mental load – Engage in practices that help you transition out of ‘work mode’.
7. Make Time for Yourself
What do you do purely for fun? Beyond professional identity, ensuring you are engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation is crucial. Whether it’s reading, hobbies, music, travel, or spending time with loved ones, make sure you are nurturing the parts of yourself that exist outside of being a psychologist.
Final Thoughts: Self-Care for Psychologists Is Ethical Practice
Self-care for psychologists is not a luxury—it is a professional and ethical necessity. When we take care of ourselves, we are more likely to:
✅ Practice competently and ethically.
✅ Be emotionally present for our clients.
✅ Sustain long-term careers without chronic burnout.
The reality is that self-care looks different for everyone. It is about trial and error, flexibility, and identifying what actually works for you. If you’re struggling to prioritise self-care, consider discussing it in supervision or seeking professional support to develop sustainable strategies. Looking for a Supportive Community of Psychologists?
💡 If you’re an early-career psychologist, provisional psychologist, or psychology student and looking for a community of like-minded professionals, consider joining my online psychologist community. It’s a space where you can:
✔ Connect with peers who understand the realities of the profession.
✔ Gain insights, guidance, and support from experienced psychologists.
✔ Access valuable resources, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.