FYM: Self-care is harder than it seems! Why psychologists often struggle with self-care and what we can do about it

Self-care is an ethical imperative for our work as psychologists.  And yet, many psychologists and other mental health professionals struggle to truly take good care of themselves.  During this presentation, Drs. Tiessen and Dyck will discuss 4 key factors which impact on self-care, including (1) the hazards of working in the mental health field, (2) imposter syndrome and the ‘student mindset’, (3) individual differences, and (4) limited, out-dated concepts of what self-care means.  They will also share an overview of their 4 C’s self-care model - Connection, Compassion, Courage, and Creativity - which provides a new framework for thinking about and applying self-care strategies.  

Dr. Melissa Tiessen completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at McGill University and currently works in private practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba, having recently moved from a group practice in Ottawa, Ontario. Melissa has previously worked in the Rural and Northern Psychology Program at the University of Manitoba’s Department of Clinical Health Psychology, within the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program through the University of Ottawa/The Ottawa Hospital Heart Institute, and has served as the Education Director for the CPA, overseeing the organization’s accreditation and continuing education activities. 

Dr. Karen Dyck completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of South Dakota.  She currently works in private practice in Oakbank, Manitoba and has recently served as the Executive Director of the Manitoba Psychological Society.  Before shifting to private practice, Karen spent the bulk of her career working within the Rural and Northern Psychology Program at the University of Manitoba’s Department of Clinical Health Psychology and was the founding chair of the Rural and Northern Psychology Section of the CPA.     

In 2019 Karen and Melissa co-founded Intentional Therapist which was developed to provide a unique self-care perspective designed to help female mental health clinicians develop individualized and sustainable self-care practices.