Workshop 5- How to Regulate Your Nervous System and Avoid Burnout

How to regulate your nervous system and avoid burnout: A self-care workshop by music therapists for music therapists

Nicola Demosthenous, Priya Vithani, Marianne Rizkallah, Rivka Gottileb

ABSTRACT

More and more therapists are experiencing symptoms of burnout and the threat of burnout on therapists is ever increasing. Finding time to support our own mental and physical wellbeing when so much time is invested in caring for others is becoming more difficult than ever. In order to provide quality of care for others, it is essential that we also look after ourselves. 

Research shows that the threat on psychological therapists is largely due to the level of frequent exposure of emotional distress (Vivolo, Owen, Fisher, 2022) and chronic stress (Maslach, 2003).  Despite this threat, there hasn’t been much change to the way therapists are taught to take care of themselves, except for the recommended continuation of personal therapy. Burnout can be represented by three dimensions; “mental fatigue or emotional exhaustion, negative feelings and perceptions about the people one works with or depersonalization, and a decrease in feelings of personal accomplishment” (Maslach and Jackson, 1981). This alarming characterization of burnout demonstrates just how dangerous it can be for clinicians and how it can negatively impact their work. 

We are offering a workshop to give music therapists new ways to manage their well-being and avoid the symptoms of burnout. This workshop will be split into two parts; theory applications with practical exercises to support nervous system regulation which can be done in between clinical sessions, followed by an experiential musical activity to support and promote self-care and wellbeing.

Join us for a chance to stop, breathe, and fill your cup.  

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Curve Theatre, 60 Rutland Street, Leicester, United Kingdom