Episode Details

Welcome to another episode of the Wise Practice Podcast! In today's conversation, Dawn Gabriel and Whitney Owens discuss the significance of soul care for therapists. They delve into their personal experiences and offer insights into how therapists can prioritize their own well-being while caring for others. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join us as we explore this important topic.

Dawn Gabriel is a group practice owner, consultant, and host of the Soul Care for Therapists podcast. She is passionate about helping mental health therapists take a deeper look into their spirituality and faith by creating sustainable practices and lifestyles. Dawn believes that therapists need their own sacred place to slow down and let go of all that they hold in order to continue the transformative work with others which is why she offers retreats and community groups to do just that.

Dawn Gabriel, a therapist, and owner of a group practice in Casa Rock, Colorado, shares her passion for community mental health and integrating faith into the counseling process. She emphasizes the importance of soul care for therapists and the transformative work it can bring. Dawn mentions her own struggles with burnout and the need to look holistically at oneself, not just as a therapist but as a human being. She says, "I was burning out... I was forgetting to invite the spiritual part in, even as a faith-based therapist."

Dawn candidly shares that she was driven to create Sole Care for Therapists because she realized the desperate need for it in her own life. Soul care, she explains, extends beyond surface-level self-care practices and invites therapists to embark on a holistic exploration of themselves as both professionals and individuals. "Soul care goes beyond self-care and involves holistic exploration of oneself as a therapist, as a human, and in the spiritual realm."

Whitney adds therapists often yearn for deep inner work but often shy away from it due to a desire for control and fear of emotional vulnerability. However, both Dawn and Whitney stress the transformative power of embracing soul care and the profound impact it can have on a therapist's well-being and therapeutic practice.

Who takes care of the therapist? Whitney Owens discusses the common challenges therapists face when neglecting their own well-being. She highlights the tendency to push emotions aside and strive for perfection in their work. Whitney admits her own struggles with emotional vulnerability and emphasizes the importance of therapists doing their own inner work. She says, "If the therapist hasn't done the work, they can only take the clients so far in the sessions."

Dawn and Whitney discuss the warning signs that indicate a therapist's need for soul care. These signs can range from minor yellow flags to more severe red flags. Dawn mentions examples such as obsessing over minor details, feeling a constant need to prove oneself, or avoiding work-related responsibilities. Whitney adds that canceling appointments frequently, avoiding tough conversations, or losing control in personal relationships can also be signs of soul-care neglect. They both stress the importance of recognizing these signs early on to prevent burnout.

"Yellow flags are early warning signs that indicate a need for soul care." Dawn encourages therapists to pay attention to the subtle yellow flags that may signify the need for soul care. These yellow flags can manifest as obsessing over minor details, engaging in fear-bas