Publication Date

Summer 2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Department

Counselor Education

First Advisor

Dr. Ileana Ungureanu

Second Advisor

Dr. Don Trahan Jr.

Third Advisor

Dr. Tamekia Bell

Abstract

Self-care in the mental health field is essential to counteract burnout in clinicians. This study uses the hermeneutic phenomenological approach to analyze the lived experiences of Licensed Counselors (LC) in Outpatient Mental Health Clinics (OMHC). The researcher took an in depth look at the level of support and their lived experience while they practice self-care. The study consisted of individual interviews and a writing prompt with the LCs. In order to be considered for the study, the participants had to be working 30 hours and employed at an OMHC. The study was conducted with the hope of understanding better modes of advocating for LC’s in the field, and also better ways of practicing self-care for clinicians in the field. The findings were divided with half the clinicians practicing self-care and half not being able to do so due to productivity measures and unsupportive environments. Most experienced support from supervisors, but there was also a split with working in a supportive environment and a toxic environment that contributed to burnout.

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