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COUNSELOR IMPAIRMENT AND WELLNESS
Benchmark Counselor Impairment and Wellness Paper
Amber Daly
School of Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University
COUC_500
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COUNSELOR IMPAIRMENT AND WELLNESS
Abstract
It is known that the counseling profession is at high risk of burnout as well as
impairment. This can be caused by different triggers during the session with the clients, or it can
be caused by the counselor not supporting their own mental health needs properly. Impairment
amongst Mental Health Professionals is considered to be increasing in recent years, which can
cause a negative effect on their workplace and subsequently, on their sessions with their clients.
A recent study conducted in 2021 has found that over two thirds of psychiatrists suffer from
depression, marital issues, physical ailments and/or substance abuse at some point during their
career (Rajasekar & Krishnan, 2021). Throughout this paper, the author will aim to discuss the
different definitions and preventions of impairment for Mental Health Professionals and show
how it effects how the counselor works with their clients. This paper will also describe how to
properly work through different types of burnout and impairment and how a counselor can work
on keeping themselves grounded to avoid any negative effects on their workplace.
Keywords: Impairment, Wellness, Burnout, Stress, Prevention
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