Self-care is the foundation of sustainable, ethical practice. When clinicians prioritize their own well-being alongside caring for others, they protect their creativity, deepen their presence, and strengthen their ability to show up fully for the people who need them. Self-care is an ethical responsibility, not an indulgence. It sustains our capacity to care over the long term. But self-care isn't one-size-fits-all. For some, it's rest. For others, it's play, creativity, or learning something new. It's permission to step back and reflect, to reconnect with what matters, and to tend to the parts of ourselves that fuel our work.
Self-care is the foundation of sustainable, ethical practice. When clinicians prioritize their own well-being alongside caring for others, they protect their creativity, deepen their presence, and strengthen their ability to show up fully for the people who need them. Self-care is an ethical responsibility, not an indulgence. It sustains our capacity to care over the long term. But self-care isn't one-size-fits-all. For some, it's rest. For others, it's play, creativity, or learning something new. It's permission to step back and reflect, to reconnect with what matters, and to tend to the parts of ourselves that fuel our work.
Self-care is most sustainable when it's rooted in what truly matters. Rather than following a prescriptive checklist or chasing what "should" feel rejuvenating, values-based self-care invites reflection on what brings genuine meaning and fulfillment. It starts with simple questions: When did you feel in alignment? When did you feel out of alignment? What values were represented during those times, and which ones were missing? These questions help clarify what actually sustains you versus what depletes you. When self-care aligns with personal values, whether that's creativity, connection, growth, play, or rest, it becomes more than maintenance. It becomes an expression of living intentionally. Values aren't fixed or hierarchical. They're fluid, personal, and available in every moment. One person might find restoration in solitude and reflection, while another finds it in movement or collaboration. The key is choosing practices that honor what matters most, rather than what's expected. When self-care is guided by values instead of obligation, it stops feeling like one more thing on the to-do list and starts feeling like coming home to yourself.
Values-Based Self-Care
If you found your way here from A Simple Therapy Podcast where I sat down with Sindee to talk about self care, welcome I’m so glad you’re here. My hope is that these reflections remind you that self care isn’t something to earn, it’s something to practice. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and allow yourself to come back to this space whenever you need to reconnect with your why. Grab the worksheet below and keep up with all of our amazing self-care conversations!
Continuing the Conversation on Self Care
