Why Therapists Must Prioritise Their Own Wellbeing
In the realm of therapy, we often champion the importance of self-care to our clients—emphasising rest, boundary-setting and the pursuit of personal growth. Yet, amidst the demands of our profession, it’s all too easy to neglect our own wellbeing.
As therapists, ensuring our mental, emotional and physical health isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.
The Silent Strain of Holding Space
Therapists are trained to hold space for others, absorbing stories of pain, trauma and transformation. This continuous emotional engagement can lead to compassion fatigue, burnout and a diminished capacity to connect authentically. Without regular self-reflection and rejuvenation, we risk becoming less effective in our roles.
The Myth of the Unshakeable Therapist
There’s a pervasive notion that therapists should be paragons of stability—always composed, always available. This belief can deter us from acknowledging our own vulnerabilities or seeking support. However, embracing our humanity and recognising our limits is not a weakness; it’s a strength that fosters deeper empathy and connection with our clients.
Challenging Ourselves to Grow
Personal growth doesn’t halt once we’ve earned our qualifications. In fact, continuous self-challenge is vital to our development as therapists. Engaging in activities that push our boundaries can reignite our passion, enhance our resilience and provide fresh perspectives that enrich our practice.
For me, that journey started in an unexpected way. I became absolutely obsessed with the mind-body connection in my late 20s after watching a stage hypnotist convince people to eat whole onions—without shedding a single tear. I was convinced that crying while chopping onions was purely a physiological response, but what I saw challenged everything I thought I knew.
That moment sparked a deep curiosity that eventually led me to train as a psychotherapist & clinical hypnotherapist.
Through my training and experience, I came to understand just how powerful the mind can be—not only in what it allows us to do, but also in what it allows us to undo. And I’ve seen time and again how people can make dramatic shifts in their beliefs, behaviour and self-perception with the right combination of experience and guidance.
One of the most profound experiences I offer is the Firewalk—a physical metaphor for stepping beyond fear, hesitation and limitation. It’s not just about walking barefoot across hot embers; it’s about what happens inside you before, during and after that moment.
On Friday, 30th May, Firewalk UK is hosting one of our Friday Firewalk events at the UK Firewalking Academy near Peterborough. This session, led by myself and a team of experienced instructors, offers a safe and transformative environment for self-exploration and empowerment.
Integrating Personal Growth into Professional Practice
This isn’t about firewalking for the sake of a thrill. It’s about what it teaches us as professionals, carers, educators and leaders. If you’re a therapist, clinician, teacher, parent or manager, I genuinely believe you should experience this—not just the firewalk itself, but the context I present it in. It’s deeply tied to personal growth, emotional release and the dismantling of those quiet internal blocks that hold us back from being who we really are and doing what we’re truly capable of.
A Call to Action
As therapists, our commitment to others must be matched by a commitment to ourselves. Prioritising self-care, embracing personal challenges, and acknowledging our vulnerabilities are not optional—they’re imperative. By doing so, we not only safeguard our wellbeing but also enhance the depth and efficacy of our therapeutic relationships.
So, I invite you to reflect:
What are you doing to nurture your own growth?
What if the next step forward was right there in front of you—glowing, hot, & completely possible?
And if you’re part of a special interest group, charity, or work with individuals who would benefit from an experience like this—or if you’re wondering whether we might offer a concession or even a complimentary place—please don’t hesitate to call our office directly. We’re always happy to consider how we can support those doing important work in the world.
For more information on the Firewalk event and to reserve your spot, visit…
Friday Firewalk Events – The UK Firewalking Academy
We appreciate not everyone is in a position to host their own event, so we created the Friday Firewalk event: an open event which allows individuals or small groups to join and share a similar experience to our charity events with other like minded people – some of which will be fundraising for whichever cause they support, some will be there for the thrill, some for the personal growth, but … firewalk.co.uk
Main – Photo by Alex P
