Wounded to healed: Self-care practices among counselors

Selfcare is crucial for all individuals and counsellors are no exception to this. This qualitative study investigates the selfcare practices of counsellors, recognising its importance for professionals in this field. It explores the selfcare practices, work-life balance, goals, client welfare, barriers and motivations for selfcare. A sample of seven practicing counsellors was selected through convenience sampling and semi structured interviews were conducted with them. The collected data was transcribed and thematically analysed using Nvivo 14. The analysis revealed seven major themes relating to the research questions. The findings highlight the range of physical and mental well-being practices employed by the counsellors. However, mental well-being was prioritised by the sample. The stress management strategies included interpersonal relationships, emotional expression through crying and talking out, and spending time alone. Notably, the selfcare behaviours were found to be primarily motivated by concern for client welfare rather than being self driven. Consequently, the inability to set boundaries and the guilt associated with declining professional demands served as major barriers to selfcare. This study contributes towards understanding the complexities of selfcare among counsellors. It also highlights the need for addressing the barriers to selfcare in order to enhance the wellbeing of those in the counselling profession.