Learning Self-Care: Transparent Dialogue between MFTs Coping Post Pandemic

Presentation Abstract: Self-care continues to permeate all aspects of professional and social life. Often times it is an added activity given to someone and may or may not individually address issues they are experiencing. These self-imposed interventions were once thought of as a resolve to reducing levels of compassion fatigue. According to Schwartz et al., 2020, specialized training for pandemic-induced changes and normalization provisions for mental health support is needed. As MFTs we are processing meaning as we listen to narratives in session. Post pandemic, client narratives shifted to multiple losses from direct (loved one) to indirect (reports of mass deaths) and its impact on daily life. While studies show the impact of vicarious trauma, seldom are forums developed to help MFTs process their own experiences, after all the pandemic touched all lives. Taylor and Asmundson (2020) detailed evidence suggesting PTSD in medical and nonmedical health providers due to the pandemic. This presentation is designed to highlight stressors associated with the pandemic on mental health professionals, discuss self-care research trends, and navigate conversations between presenters and participants to identify strengths and resilience. The goal is to create supportive systems for MFTS to manage stressors post COVID by engaging in process activities to build support within our MFT community and customize self-care.