Six domains of self-care: Attending to the whole person |
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Authors: | Lisa D. Butler Kelly A. Mercer Katie McClain-Meeder Dana M. Horne Melissa Dudley |
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Affiliation: | 1. School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USAldbutler@buffalo.edu;3. School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA;4. Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACTSelf-care has long been of concern to helping professionals at risk for burnout or vicarious traumatization. In this paper we argue that the need for self-care is broader than preventing these outcomes. Instead, it requires consideration of the whole person and mindful attention and intentional efforts to achieve two general aims: to guard against or manage stress and other negative states, and to maintain or enhance well-being and overall functioning. We propose and delineate six life domains—physical, professional, relational, emotional, psychological, and spiritual—that may require attention in each person’s self-care practice, and briefly summarize some empirical findings that support self-care practices within each. We observe that self-care practice in each domain is closely bound to practice and outcomes of other domains. Steps in developing an overall self-care plan, including both maintenance and emergency practices, are also outlined. Because we believe that self-care is not a one-size-fits-all pursuit, we contend that helping professionals would benefit from examining each area of their life, and defining for themselves what self-care means and how they plan to implement their own personal practice. Above all, self-care requires a commitment to one’s own well-being as a priority. |
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Keywords: | Self-care physical professional relationship emotional psychological spiritual |
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