Managing Chronic Health Issues: Prioritize Self Care & Managing Expectations

What gets in the way of managing chronic health?

• Delay in seeking care

• Difficulty asking for help

• Fear of being a burden

• Fear of being misunderstood

• And more

Self Care Examples

• Leave work at work

• Have daily rituals

• Don’t answer emails at home

• Have a separate phone for work and separate phone for home

• Engage in hobbies

• Engage in relaxation activities

• Move your body and exercise

• Spend time with friends, loved ones, and family

• Understand your client limits

• Say no more often

• Schedule breaks throughout the day

• Attend supervision and/or consultation

Managing Expectations Examples

• Letting the client know at the onset of therapy about the possibility that you will from time to time have to cancel sessions or be late due to a health issue (if you are comfortable self disclosing)

• Self disclosure and your own comfort

• Direct communication with the client when health issues arise limiting or preventing you from showing up physically and emotionally in session

• Set healthy boundaries for the therapeutic relationship

• Understand FMLA laws and regulations and how to use them

• Opt into FMLA for your state

• Understanding your organizational culture and rules and values (if you work for an agency or company)