Counselor Burnout and Self-Care Within an Outpatient Mental Health Agency

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experience of burnout and counselor self care in the lives of practicing counselors within an outpatient mental health agency in the northeast. Qualitative methods involving semi-structured interviews were utilized and involved seven participants. The findings of the study identified the following themes as imperative information to be considered: structure of the work day, reactions (including: thoughts, feelings, affect and physical), prevention, and barriers. Included is a discussion depicting the connections surrounding the affect of the identified themes and how this impacts the counselor in regards to burnout and self-care.