Self-Care Spotlight: Kelli Hall's Strategies for Clinicians

In a recent interview with DirectShifts, Kelli Hall, a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 of experience in the field, shared her invaluable insights into the world of behavioral and mental health. Kelli's journey and expertise shed light on the challenges clinicians face and the importance of self-care and resilience in this demanding profession.

Here are some key takeaways from her conversation:

• The Importance of Self-Care: 

Kelli emphasizes the critical role of self-care for clinicians, highlighting that prioritizing mental wellness is essential for a sustainable and fulfilling career. Kelli explains, "The more that you care about yourself, the more you love yourself and value yourself, the more that you're willing to engage in self-care."

• Recognizing Self-Imposed Guilt: 

Kelli addresses the guilt that many clinicians feel when considering self-care. She advises clinicians to question the source of this guilt and examine whether it serves a constructive purpose.

• Negative Self-Talk: 

Kelli discusses the negative self-talk that clinicians often engage in. She recommends tracking your thoughts and gradually shifting from negative to neutral or positive self-talk. Kelli suggests, "If you've done so much negative self-talk... start with tracking your thoughts, paying attention to the things you're saying to yourself."

• Boundaries and Integrity: 

Kelli highlights the importance of setting boundaries and staying true to your scope of practice and expertise. She encourages clinicians to find a balance between work and personal life.

• Warning Signs of Burnout: 

Kelli identifies warning signs that clinicians should be aware of, including pervasive stress, irritability, and a sense of dread about work. She advises taking breaks and seeking support when needed. She mentions, "If you take a day off and you're ready to go again, you might be getting close to burnout. But if you take a week off and still don't feel rested, that's a concern."

Kelli Hall's insights serve as a compass for clinicians navigating the challenges of the behavioral and mental health profession. Her wisdom reinforces the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and recognizing warning signs to ensure a thriving and resilient career in the field.