E33: The Power of Discernment, Part 4 – It’s not you, it’s the job, or, How to know when a genuinely unhealthy environment is the real problem

What if the stress you’re carrying at work isn’t a sign of something you are doing wrong, but a sign that something around you isn’t healthy?  Many therapists are quick to assume burnout, frustration, or dread must be a personal failing:  poor boundaries, weak coping, not enough self-care.  But sometimes the problem isn’t you. Sometimes the workplace itself is the problem.In today’s episode, we explore how to recognize a genuinely unhealthy work environment.  We talk about psychological safety, the traits of healthy workplaces, and how to discern when your stress is coming from the system rather than from yourself.  Because the wisest forms of self-care begin with clarity. Episode Highlights:Unhealthy environments vs belief, boundary, or values misalignment5 characteristics of psychologically healthy workplacesQuestions to ask about whether a workplace embodies psychological safetyOur own experiences with unhealthy workplace settingsSelf-care experiments:Reflect on whether your own work setting is psychologically healthyReflect on whether your own work setting offers psychological safetyIdentify how you incorporate healthy workplace practices into your own clinical practice and settingResources Mentioned:The Psychologically Healthy Workplace: Building a Win-Win Environment for Organizations and Employees:  https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/The-Psychologically-Healthy-Workplace-Intro-Sample.pdfWhat is psychological safety at work? Here’s how to start creating it:  https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/psychological-safetyConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:https://www.intentionaltherapist.ca/  |  [email protected]  |   https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at:  https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapistReady to upgrade your self-care?  Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits!  Because self-care is PART OF our jobs!  More info at:  https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study  Disclaimer:  This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice.  Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.