An Inside Look: Symmetry Counseling’s Therapists Reveal Their Self-Care Practices

Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR

Conversations about burnout, stress, and emotional fatigue often circle back to one essential concept: self-care practices. These routines are not indulgent extras. They are intentional habits that help people reset, recharge, and stay connected to what matters most. At Symmetry Counseling, self-care practices are woven into our own lives as clinicians.

Curiosity often comes up in sessions. Clients ask what therapists actually do to take care of themselves. Life can feel busy and layered with responsibilities such as work deadlines, family needs, social commitments, and unexpected stressors. Self-care practices help create steadiness within that movement.

Therapy for ages 10 through adulthood can include exploring what self-care looks like in daily life. Some people need help identifying what restores them, while others want help sticking to routines that tend to fall away during stressful seasons.

Self-Care Practices in Therapy: Why They Matter

Self-care practices are often discussed in our individual counseling sessions. Therapy is not about spa days or luxury treats. Self-care can look like setting boundaries with a coworker, turning off notifications after 8 p.m., eating regular meals, or choosing rest instead of scrolling through social media at midnight.

Counseling helps people identify patterns that interrupt well-being. For example:

• Constantly saying yes to requests and feeling resentful later
• Skipping meals during busy workdays
• Staying up late to finish “just one more task.”
• Avoiding difficult conversations until stress builds

These habits are common and often understandable. Therapy helps explore what drives them and how to introduce healthier alternatives. Our specialists guide clients through realistic steps that fit their schedules and responsibilities.

Morning Rituals

Many therapists start their day by following a morning ritual.

“I intentionally DON’T look at my phone the minute I wake up. I start each day looking out my window into nature and say one thing I’m grateful for and one thing I admire about myself.

After that, I do some form of exercise and play with my dog. All of these activities (lasting about 30 minutes in total) get my day off to the right start. It works because it starts my days off with optimism and endorphins and knowing I’m choosing to do something simply for myself.”

The Joy of Greeting Cards

Ashley Repinski, LCPC, CADC, has a favorite self-care activity: She purchases and writes greeting cards and sends them to her family and friends.

“I have a lot of loved ones who live out of state, so greeting cards are a way for me to maintain our connection. Shopping for cards allows me to appreciate the beauty I’m surrounded by and reflect on the important relationships in my life.

I typically shop for greeting cards once or twice per month — for special occasions and “just because.” Greeting cards brighten my day, and I love being able to share that with others.”

Aromatherapy

Therapists also find aromatherapy highly effective for self-care.

“Aromatherapy is healing with scent and interaction with skin. I practice aromatherapy three times a week using essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, sage, peppermint, and frankincense with an oil diffuser. The sense of smell has a calming and cleansing effect that helps reduce stressors as well as boost and restore balance in my body.”

The Perks of Volunteering

Rimma Isaac, LCPC, receives many benefits from regularly volunteering her time.

“I usually like to sign up for 1-2 shifts a month. I pick events that are fun and related to something I enjoy outside of my work as a therapist. Some of my favorites are the Hyde Park Jazz Festival and the Chicago International Film Festival; different galas and fundraising events are great, too.

The reason I like volunteering is that I am assigned tasks I don’t normally do in my everyday life. That allows me to be very focused and present, not thinking about anything else! It is also a great way to meet new people that I otherwise won’t cross paths with.”

Creating a Relapse Plan

Steven Losardo, MA, believes that self-care is a proactive discipline. He has created a Relapse Plan to help him to practice self-care.

“I put a plan together and adjust it over the years. This requires discipline, but also grace when I do not stick to the plan. So I do not end up shaming myself for failure, nor do I allow that part of myself that gets me disciplined to take over either. Discipline with flexibility can bring freedom and be a part of a self-care plan.”

Would you benefit from any of these self-care methods used by professional therapists? Give them a try!

If you need help to promote your self-care or you’re unsure where to start, you might benefit from working with a counselor. All of the therapists mentioned in this blog are accepting new clients. Contact us at 312-578-9990 to schedule an appointment.