Therapist Fatigue is Real—Your Therapists Aren't Lazy, They’re Just Human!
Hellloooo CHAMPION!
Let’s get real today about something that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime: therapist fatigue. I know, I know—some of you might be thinking, “My therapist is just being a diva, saying no to that last massage of the day!”
But here’s the thing: working as a therapist is like running a marathon of energy transfers. Unlike most jobs, therapists are legally allowed (and expected!) to touch others, which sounds nice until you remember that this touch transfers energy. Every. Single. Time.
Imagine soaking up every emotion, stressor, and bit of tension from every client, all day long. Yeah, that’s bound to take a toll on anyone—even the most zen among us. So, let’s chat about why therapists aren’t just “tired” or “lazy,” and why it’s our responsibility to support them through the demands of this highly underestimated role.
Here’s a Quick Rundown of Therapist Challenges:
- Energy Drain is Real: Each massage or treatment is an energy exchange, leaving therapists physically and emotionally drained after each session. Some clients might bring in stress, while others bring in heavy emotional energy, and all that impacts your team.
- Physical Demand: They’re on their feet, massaging, moving, lifting, bending, all day. And no, they can’t just “turn it down a notch”—clients would notice!
- Constant Emotional Support: Therapists are often the unofficial counselors, lending a listening ear to clients’ worries and stressors, which can take an emotional toll.
- Pressure to Perform Nonstop: There’s this underlying expectation to be consistently “on” and ready to take one more client, regardless of how the therapist feels, and that’s tough!
So, How Do We Support Our Superheroes of Self-Care?
Here are some ideas to keep your therapists’ batteries fully charged:
- Introduce Downtime Between Treatments: Give them a 10–15 minute “reset” between sessions when possible, so they have time to recharge and refocus.
- Encourage Grounding Techniques: Breathing exercises, quick meditation sessions, or even a simple stretching routine can help therapists ground themselves and release any residual energy from previous clients.
- Rotation of Services: Avoid stacking back-to-back deep tissue massages or intense therapies in their schedules. Alternate with gentler treatments, or allow them to focus on lighter services if they’ve had a demanding day.
- Implement Energy Management Practices: Provide a quiet space where therapists can rest between appointments. An area with dim lighting, aromatherapy, and some calming music can work wonders!
- Regular Check-ins: Just a simple “How are you doing today?” can go a long way in showing that you’re aware and that their well-being matters. It also gives them a chance to communicate if they’re nearing burnout.
- Weekly Therapy or Group De-Stress Sessions: Encourage therapists to unwind together, either with a group relaxation exercise, some laughs, or sharing tips to cope with the demands of the role.
Let’s break the cycle of seeing therapists as “machines” who can endlessly perform, and instead, celebrate them for the energy and care they pour into each client.
Show them you recognize the unique challenges of their role. Let’s make sure your team feels heard, cared for, and, most importantly, valued.
Until next time, take care of yourselves and those powerhouse therapists of yours! 🧖♀️💆♂️
Lots of love,
Marisa
