Practice Pursuit for Therapists

Therapist and Private Practice Burnout Mini Series Part 5: Navigating Vicarious Trauma and Life Stressors in Your Therapy Practice

Rachel Kimbrel & Adrienne Schmidt Season 1 Episode 17

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Vicarious Trauma and Therapist Burnout: How to Recognize It and What to Do About It

In this powerful episode of Practice Pursuit for Therapists, Rachel and Adrienne unpack a deeply important but often under-discussed issue in the therapy world: vicarious trauma and the impact of life stressors on therapists in private practice.

As experienced clinicians and business owners, they understand how the emotional weight of client work—especially trauma work—can quietly build up and affect your own mental health, productivity, and well-being. Whether you're working with high-acuity clients or just navigating the day-to-day stressors of running a private practice, this episode offers validation, insight, and actionable support.

Episode Highlights:

🧠 Signs of Vicarious Trauma – How to know when you’re carrying more than you realize.

⚖️ Balancing Client Work and Life Stress – What to do when your personal stress and professional load collide.

🛠️ In-the-Moment Coping Strategies – Practical ways to ground yourself and keep moving, even when you're overwhelmed.

🫶 Is This Normal? – A compassionate conversation about what therapists really go through behind the scenes.

Rachel and Adrienne also share personal stories and evidence-based tools to help you identify burnout, build emotional resilience, and set boundaries that support your long-term success as a therapist.

If you're a mental health professional looking to stay grounded, protect your energy, and maintain a thriving private practice, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now and give yourself permission to take care of you, too.

#VicariousTrauma #TherapistBurnout #TherapistWellbeing #SelfCareForTherapists #MentalHealthForTherapists #TherapistSupport #PrivatePracticePodcast #BoundariesInTherapy #CompassionFatigue #PracticePursuit #EmotionalResilience #TherapyLife #TherapistMentalHealth



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