Burnout in Mental Health Counselors
Burnout in Mental Health Counselors: Can Mindfulness Improve Well Being?
Heather Payne
Argosy University
Research and Program Evaluation
R6032
Dr. Dale Coovert
December 14, 2010
Abstract
Because mental health counselors are susceptible to burnout, which may negatively affect their clients, it is ethically imperative that they practice self-care. There is a growing body of research supporting the positive effects of mindfulness in facilitating counselor effectiveness, but little is known about the link between the practice of mindfulness and the rate of counselor burnout. The research proposal discussed in this article seeks to examine the link between mindfulness and counselors’ ability to practice effectively without experiencing burnout.
Burnout in Mental Health Counselors: Can Mindfulness Improve Well Being?
According to the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics, mental health counselors have a responsibility to do no harm, benefit others, and pursue excellence in their profession (2005). Because of the nature of their work, mental health professionals are vulnerable to vicarious trauma, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, and depression. To adhere to their ethical principles, mental health counselors need to practice self-care to decrease the potential for impairment or burnout (Richards, Campenni, & Muse-Burke, 2010). There is evidence to support a direct correlation between the practice of mindfulness and personal well-being, but there is no research on the link between practicing mindfulness and decreased rates of burnout. There are two key components to mindfulness. First is a focused attention on the present moment, or a heightened state of awareness. Second, mindfulness involves non-judgmental acceptance of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions (Baer, 2003). Effective counseling demands that counselors be highly self-aware and non-judgmental. The practice of mindfulness may be a valuable tool to assist counselors
Heather Payne
Argosy University
Research and Program Evaluation
R6032
Dr. Dale Coovert
December 14, 2010
Abstract
Because mental health counselors are susceptible to burnout, which may negatively affect their clients, it is ethically imperative that they practice self-care. There is a growing body of research supporting the positive effects of mindfulness in facilitating counselor effectiveness, but little is known about the link between the practice of mindfulness and the rate of counselor burnout. The research proposal discussed in this article seeks to examine the link between mindfulness and counselors’ ability to practice effectively without experiencing burnout.
Burnout in Mental Health Counselors: Can Mindfulness Improve Well Being?
According to the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics, mental health counselors have a responsibility to do no harm, benefit others, and pursue excellence in their profession (2005). Because of the nature of their work, mental health professionals are vulnerable to vicarious trauma, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, and depression. To adhere to their ethical principles, mental health counselors need to practice self-care to decrease the potential for impairment or burnout (Richards, Campenni, & Muse-Burke, 2010). There is evidence to support a direct correlation between the practice of mindfulness and personal well-being, but there is no research on the link between practicing mindfulness and decreased rates of burnout. There are two key components to mindfulness. First is a focused attention on the present moment, or a heightened state of awareness. Second, mindfulness involves non-judgmental acceptance of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions (Baer, 2003). Effective counseling demands that counselors be highly self-aware and non-judgmental. The practice of mindfulness may be a valuable tool to assist counselors
References: American Counseling Association (2005). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association. Baer, R.A. (2003). Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: a conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10, 125- 143. Bishop, S.R. (2002). What do we really know about mindfulness based stress reduction? Psychomatic Medicine,64, 71-84. Brown, K.W. & Ryan, R.M. (2003). The benefits of being present. Mindfulness and its role in psychological wellbeing. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84, 822-848. Richards, K.C., Campenni, C.E., Muse-Burke, J.L. (2010). Self –care and wellbeing in mental health professionals: The mediating effects of self- awareness and mindfulness. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 32,247-264. Rothaupt, J.W.& Morgan, M.M. (2007). Counselors’ and counselor educators’ practice of mindfulness: A qualitative inquiry. Counseling and Values, 52. Shapiro, S. L., Astin, J.A., Bishop, S.R., Cordova, M. (2005). Mindfulness –based stress reduction for health care professionals: Results from a randomized trial. International Journal of Stress Management, 12 (2), 164-176. Trochim, W.M.K. (2006). Research Methods Knowledge Base. Retrieved from http://www.socialresearchmethods.net.