Episode 19- Self Care for Play Therapists

In this episode we tackle therapist burn out and ensuring you are taking care of yourself - not just others! Kylie reflects honestly on her own exhaustion and lack of breaks this year to open a conversation about self-care (or “how you’re really doing”) as a play therapist. She highlights the emotional load of holding trauma, staying attuned, and being a regulated, safe presence, and frames self-care not as a luxury but as a professional responsibility that protects against burnout and compassion fatigue. Kylie offers three key “pillars”: professional boundaries (manageable caseloads, breaks, admin limits, quality supervision), emotional/nervous-system care (grounding rituals, breathing, note-taking, supervision), and real-life practices (hydration, food, rest, fun activities, transition rituals, peer connection). She encourages listeners to choose just one small, realistic change to implement, reminding them they matter just as much as the children and families they support.