The Resilient Clinician

by Robert J. Wicks

Overview

Author of several acclaimed books and expert in the field of secondary stress, psychologist Robert Wicks addresses the experience of the mental health professional and raises awareness of the insidious, almost silent psychological defenses of denial and avoidance in the life of the clinician. A concise guide to preventing and limiting acute and chronic secondary stress, The Resilient Clinician offers an overview of mindfulness and meditation as it applies to the clinician's own life rather than that of the client or patient, and describes how to develop a personally designed self-care protocol. This immensely readable book also includes one of the most current selective bibliographies of relevant research and clinical and theoretical publications in the subject area, from common stressors and vicarious post-traumatic stress disorders to burnout and compassion fatigue. Informed by positive psychology and infused with compassion and wisdom, this book will help clinicians remain challenged, maintain perspective, and be inspired both professionally and personally.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199886340
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/13/2007
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Robert J. Wicks is a Professor at Loyola College and has published several acclaimed books for professionals and the public. Dr. Wicks received his doctorate in psychology is from Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia. Prior to teaching in a CACREP-approved counseling program at Loyola College in Maryland, he taught at the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

iIntroduction: Continually Creating New Inner Psychological Space/iLAn Ongoing Process of Mindfulness1. Sensing the Dangers: Chronic and Acute Secondary Stress2. Enhancing Resiliency: Strengthening One's Own Self-Care Protocol3. Replenishing the Self: Solitude, Silence...and Mindfulness4. Daily Debriefing: Mindfulness and Positive Psychology as an Integral Part of the Clinician's Ongoing Reflective ProcessiEpilogue: Clinician/iLClinician: An Honorable Profession, a Meaningful LifeiReferences/iiAppendices/i1-1. Causes for Burnout1-2. Daily Burnout: A Sampling of Key Signs and Symptoms1-3. Level 1 - Daily Burnout: Steps for Dealing with 'Daily Burnout'1-4. Level 2 - Minor Stress Becomes Distress: Some Major Signs and Symptoms2-1. The Basics of Stress Management4-1. Clinicans' Secondary Stress Self-Awareness Questionnaire4-2. Individual Question Reflection GuideiWorks Cited/iiSelected Bibliography/iiIndex/i

Editorial Reviews

"Robert Wicks has written a book that could be described as 'the therapist's companion.' It stresses the sacred mission and importance of the work of psychotherapy and encourages therapists to care for themselves as they care for their clients. Since the work of the psychotherapist relies so heavily on the use of self, the self must be cared for and replenished in order to do the work competently over the courese of one's career. A very thought provoking and helpful book that is highly recommended for the trainee and experienced therapist alike to foster their resilience and effectiveness as therapists."—Christine A. Courtois, Ph.D., Psychologist and author of Healing the Incest Wound: Adult Survivors in Therapy and Recollections of Sexual Abuse: Treatment Principles and Guidelines

"As therapists we need to stop and reflect, be aware of our negative emotions, get new perspectives, learn to self-care, and know how to untie the knots in our inner life. Robert Wicks has written an engaging book reminding us of this. It is packed with anecdotes and quotes from psychologists, Zen masters, philosophers, and useful advice from positive psychology as well as exercises for self -reflection."—Stephen Joseph, Ph.D., Professor, Center for Trauma, Resilience and Growth (CTRG), University of Nottingham, UK

"It is not easy to be empathically present to others who are suffering deeply, particularly in this era of shrinking resources. In The Resilient Clinician, Dr. Wicks compassionately identifies the many ways in which we become worn out by clinical work, and weaves together a rich tapestry of self-care strategies that we can use to revitalize ourselves personally and professionally. Drawing upon a wealth of sources, from studies of burnout to the teachings of spiritual masters, he has created a practical, honest, step-by-step guide to the self reflection and nurturing that all clinicians need to both live and work well."—Ronald D. Siegel, Psy.D., Clinical Faculty, Harvard Medical School, Faculty and Board of Directors, The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy

"A main strength of the book is that it is written from the erspective of a working therapist. It places self-care in he context of both work with clients, and within the wider ontext of employers, funding bodies and societies...Where he author is reflective or posing questions for reflection, e is at his best. Although aimed at practicing therapists, he book is also useful for supervisors, aiding restorative ork with supervisees."—Therapy Today

"The book is very useful as a manual to reflect upon oneself as a therapist. Personal experiences of the author invite the reader to follow his path or the path of many other cited authors. Being a concise book, it meets the demands of busy clinicians...offer[s] some sense of direction with respect to secondary stress prevention for clinicians by self-care and mindfulness."—PsycCritiques

From the Publisher