I. Nourishing the roots of self-care. Exploring professional self-care : myths, mistaken identities, and meanings
Our unique stressors, pressures, and challenges
The “big four” occupational hazards
Our ethical imperative toward sustainable self-care
Why we become psychotherapists and what sustains us
Mapping our self-care values
Identifying and addressing the blocks to being our own Best allies
II. Flexibly grounded : mindful awareness of habits, patterns, and needs. Developmental and career-stage realities
Listening to our bodies
Knowing our habits of mind and emotion
Relational patterns and fulfillment of needs
How’s your frontal lobe doing? and other executive functioning questions – Money : our unspoken needs, beliefs, and habits
Spiritual and religious beliefs and needs
Cultural influences on self-care and well-being
Person–therapist–work alignment
III. Intrinsic self-care : soft strength, hidden resilience. Cultivating mindful awareness and intentionality
Fostering acceptance, equanimity, and acknowledgment of impermanence
Nurturing compassion
Encouraging forgiveness
Gifting gratitude
Inspiring laughter, humor, joy, and playfulness
Learning optimism
IV. Extrinsic self-care : powerful practices, transformational habits. Biological foundations of self-care I : sleep and breath
Biological foundations of self-care II : movement and nutrition
Meditation
Subtle energy practices
Rest, time off, and recharging our batteries
Supportive connections and healthy boundaries
Supporting our frontal lobe for sustainable self-care and well-being
Mindful use of technology and media
Personal grounding and growth : making space for creative endeavors, self-growth, and pursuing our own therapy
Professional grounding and growth : seeking professional development, diversity of experience, and consultation/supervision
Navigating our work environment
Enhancing our work space for better health
V. Thriving : creating sustainability of self-care and well-being. Willingness, readiness, and motivation to integrate self-care
Integration and embodiment of self-caring into everyday life
The gifts of stewardship and paying it forward : a communitarian approach to helping our fellow helpers
Appendix A. Mindful self-care scale : clinical version
Appendix B. Selected resources for psychotherapists’ professional development and well-being
Appendix C. Addressing our blocks, barriers, and objections to being our own best allies
Appendix D. Selected resources for psychotherapists with a highly sensitive temperament
Appendix E. Mindful check-in
Appendix F. Selected mindfulness and meditation resources
Appendix G. Selected subtle energy resources and practices
Appendix H. The rapid relief energy sweep
Appendix I. Selected self-care practices to integrate throughout the (work)day
Appendix J. Mindful self-caring plan and calendar
Appendix K. Selected resources for healthy habit formation and building a meaningful life.