The American Counseling Association (ACA) designates April of each year as Counseling Awareness Month (CAM). The month of April is a time to honor and celebrate counselors who facilitate the growth and development of all people!
April 8th is Teal Day
“Celebrated on the second Friday of April, Teal Day encourages awareness of the importance of counseling and self-care for counselors as they enlighten their clients, colleagues, and the greater public of the same. The nature of the counselor’s work reflects the color choice perfectly, as both encourage a calm, reflective mood. Professional counselors help their clients live in a state of emotional regulation; while the psychology of teal is largely believed to embody restfulness and mental and spiritual balance.”
–The American Counseling Association
The ACA even made a playlist of inspiring songs for counselors. Get the playlist HERE
Self-Care for Counselors
- Don’t bring your work home. This can be a difficult boundary to set, but counselors especially know how important healthy boundaries are. Take your own good advice and leave your work, as much as possible, at work!
- Remember H.A.L.T. before you react. This is a common acronym that we suggest to our clients with substance use disorders. When we are feeling restless, discontent, or irritable, we should take our own good advice and ask ourselves if we are: Hungry? Angry? Lonely? Tired? Often, a healthy snack will
- Need a tissue for your issue? Go ahead and cry it out because tears can be self-soothing. Additionally, research has found that letting out those emotional tears releases oxytocin and endorphins and eases physical and emotional pain.
- Indulge in a Spa Day. Treat yourself to a spa treatment or a stay-at-home spa night. Light some candles, play relaxing music, get into a plush robe, and pamper yourself!
- Journaling to get grounded and be present. Time is something most counselors don’t have a lot of, but you only need a quick 10 minutes or less to ground yourself and be present in the moment. Use a guided journal like my favorite called, A Journey Within, by Piccadilly:
“A Journey Within is a thought provoking, introspective activity journal designed to help you get to know yourself better each time you turn the page. Within each page is a question to ask yourself, matched with an inspiring quote to keep your creativity and thoughts afloat.”
Sober Curator Pro Tip: Another one of my favorite ways to journal is using one of the 10-Minute journal prompts from Christine Zimmer.
Download a variety of these inspiring and thoughtful 10-Minute journal prompts HERE
Resources for Counselors
My favorite websites for free group and individual therapy stuff. Workbooks, worksheets, assignments, and a myriad of other resources for you to choose from!
- This link is my #1 favorite for free worksheets and workbooks!
- www. therapistaid.com
- www.confidentcounselors.com
- www. positivepsychology.com
- www.belmontwellness.com
- www.cci.health.wa.gov.au
- www.recoveryanswers.org
- www.christiezimmer.com/10-minute-journal-pages
- www.depts.washington.edu
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
