Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a rewarding field dedicated to helping individuals, often children with autism spectrum disorder, learn new skills and navigate their world. ABA therapists, often referred to as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), are on the front lines of this critical, impactful work. They are the ones building rapport, implementing behavior plans, celebrating small victories, and providing crucial support day in and day out.
However, the nature of this work, while deeply meaningful, can also be physically and emotionally demanding. The long hours, the high-energy sessions, the emotional intensity, and the need to be constantly "on" can take a significant toll. This is why a conversation about self-care and burnout prevention is not just important, it’s essential for the well-being of behavior therapists.
Why are ABA Therapists at risk of burnout?
Burnout isn't just about feeling tired. It's a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
For ABA therapists, several factors can contribute to this risk:
- High-Intensity Work: Sessions can be physically demanding, requiring therapists to be active and engaged for extended periods. This can lead to physical fatigue and a feeling of being constantly drained.
- Emotional Labor: Therapists are often the primary source of emotional support and regulation for their clients. Managing challenging behaviors and navigating complex family dynamics requires a high level of emotional investment.
- Lack of Boundaries: The lines between work and personal life can blur, especially when working directly in clients' homes. It can be difficult to "turn off" the therapist mindset. It is critical as a therapist to maintain our ethical obligations and set professional boundaries with our clients and their families, which can feel challenging.
- The Weight of Responsibility: Therapists can feel that they carry the responsibility of their client's progress and well-being. This can be a heavy burden, especially when progress is slow or challenging behaviors persist.
- Limited Support Systems: While supervisors are a crucial part of the ABA structure, some therapists may feel isolated in their day-to-day work, lacking a strong peer support network when working in homes or directly with the kids. There is not as much opportunity for interaction with peers and colleagues in this environment, and it is common to feel like you are on an island.
Who is impacted when an ABA Therapist feels burnt out?
When a therapist is feeling burned out, it's not just a personal problem. It has a ripple effect that impacts their clients, their colleagues, and the overall quality of therapy.
Burned-out therapists may experience:
- Decreased Patience and Empathy: Emotional exhaustion can make it harder to remain patient and empathetic during challenging moments.
- Reduced Creativity and Flexibility: The ability to think on your feet and adapt to new situations diminishes when you're running on empty.
- Increased Absenteeism and Turnover: Burnout is a leading cause of job dissatisfaction and staff turnover, which can be disruptive to a client's continuity of care.
- Decreased Quality of Care: When a therapist is not at their best, the quality of their work can suffer, potentially impacting client outcomes.
What strategies can ABA Therapists use to prevent burnout?
Self-care isn't a luxury; it's a non-negotiable part of being an effective and sustainable professional. Here are our top practical strategies ABA therapists can implement to ensure they are investing in themselves and showing up their best self for their clients:
Set and Maintain Firm Boundaries:
- Protect Your Time: When you are not working, you are not working. Turn off notifications, resist the urge to check emails, and dedicate time to non-work activities. Have time after each session where you are not thinking about what happened during the session, or the future sessions for the week.
- Define Your Workday: Be clear about your working hours and communicate them to supervisors and families. Avoid taking work-related calls or texts outside of these times.
Prioritize Physical Well-being:
- Move Your Body: Incorporate physical activity that you enjoy, whether it's yoga, a walk in the park, or a dance class. Exercise is a great way to clear your head and prioritize your well being. It releases endorphins which can help with feeling relaxed and recharged.
- Fuel Your Body: Pack healthy snacks and meals to avoid the energy crashes that come with relying on quick, sugary fixes. Make sure you are taking time to eat before a session, and start your day with nourishment that fuels you.
- Get Enough Sleep: Prioritize sleep and a healthy sleep schedule. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to allow your body and mind to recharge. Feeling well rested can help you be your best and avoid fatigue.
Cultivate Emotional Resilience:
- Find a Support System: Connect with other ABA therapists, whether through formal groups or informal meetups. Sharing experiences and challenges can be incredibly validating. Having someone to connect with and talk about the job not only validates your experiences, but it is a way to collaborate and share new ideas. At Powerback Pediatrics, we support our therapists with monthly group sessions and weekly open office hours to help combat feelings of burnout, and to encourage connection and continued collaboration.
- Always ensure when talking about your role and the work you do you are maintaining client confidentiality and upholding HIPAA compliance.
- Practice Mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly, focus on your breath, and clear your mind. This can help you stay present and manage stress.
- Engage in Hobbies: Rediscover a hobby that brings you joy and fulfillment outside of work. This could be painting, gardening, reading, or playing an instrument.
Seek Professional Support:
- Utilize Supervision: Don't hesitate to lean on your supervisor for support, guidance, and a space to process difficult cases or behaviors. Be open with your BCBA supervisor and know that feedback is meant to go both ways and be an open dialogue. Most BCBAs were once in the therapist role and they can relate to what you are experiencing and offer support.
- Talk to a Professional: If you're experiencing significant stress, anxiety, or signs of burnout, seeking professional help from a therapist can provide you with valuable coping strategies and a safe space to talk.
At Powerback, we offer free, confidential support through our employee assistance program. Licensed Professional Counselors are available at no cost to the employee to talk through any work, personal, or family issues 24 hours a day.
We also have Work/Life Specialists for help with managing your time, balancing your work life, and locating resources such as childcare centers, assisted living facilities, and financial consultants.
How can organizations and supervisors help to prevent burnout?
While self-care is a personal practice, the responsibility to prevent burnout in ABA therapists is a collective one.
Organizations and supervisors have a crucial role to play in:
- Fostering a Culture of Support: Creating an environment where therapists feel comfortable discussing their challenges and asking for help.
- Providing Adequate Resources: Offering access to professional development, mentorship, and mental health resources.
- Promoting Work-Life Balance: Encouraging therapists to take their breaks, use their vacation time, and set healthy boundaries.
By prioritizing the well-being of our ABA therapists at Powerback Pediatrics, we are not only investing in our team members as individuals but also in the long-term success of our clients and the integrity of the field as a whole.
Self-care isn't selfish. It's a fundamental part of providing compassionate, effective, and sustainable care. We make the health and well-being of our team members a priority and believe supporting them is just as important as the support we provide our clients.
Are you ready to join a team that prioritizes and supports you in your career? View our open positions and learn more about what it means to be a part of our Powerback Pediatrics team, here.
