Experiencing BCBA Burnout? Try These Self-Care Tips

Experiencing BCBA Burnout? Try These Self-Care Tips

As a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), you play a critical role in providing autism therapy that is life-changing to children and families. Yet the demanding nature of this profession can sometimes lead to burnout. It is important to recognize the signs of BCBA burnout and take proactive steps to ensure your own wellbeing. After all, the better you take care of yourself, the better you can take care of those who depend on your expertise.

What Is Burnout?

Sharyn Kerr,  PH.D, MBA, BCBA-D, BlueSprig’s Chief Strategy Officer, recently wrote on the topic of BCBA burnout for MedCity News, a healthcare news platform that covers innovations and updates in the industry. In her article, Experiencing BCBA Burnout? Why It Happens and Tips to Combat It, she defines burnout as “a term once used to describe a flame or maybe even a faulty piece of technology, has taken on a new meaning in today’s society as more people report feeling overwhelmed or stressed, especially in the workplace.”

“The World Health Organization has taken steps to define burnout, noting it as a result of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed,”  Dr. Kerr explain. Burnout is defined by the following three elements: feelings of depersonalization, a loss of personal accomplishment, and high levels of emotional exhaustion. Dr. Kerr goes on to say, “The characterizations of burnout, when left untreated, can significantly impact mental health as it correlates to feelings of exhaustion, negativity and a lack of motivation.” Burnout is defined the following three elements: depersonalization, a loss of personal accomplishment, and emotional exhaustion.

Why Should BCBAs Worry About Burning Out?

BCBAs have a demanding job. “The weight of responsibility to assist children and adults while making a positive impact on their lives can lead to a significant amount of stress and therefore mental exhaustion,” shares Dr. Kerr. “Many healthcare practitioners experience ‘compassion fatigue’ as the need to constantly attend to others becomes overwhelming.” Burnout can contribute to negative clinical, organizational, and personal outcomes (Lawson & O’Brien, 1994).

According to Dr. Kerr, factors that contribute to burnout may include:

• The emotional demands of providing care for others.
• Balancing job duties, including delivering treatment, managing administrative tasks like creating treatment plans, coordinating care, and guiding families.
• Setting clear boundaries with work and balancing responsibilities. 
• High turnover in the ABA field, meaning BCBAs frequently need to train and support new team members, which can be a roadblock to efforts to maintain a strong, cohesive workplace culture.
• Pressure that comes from working with clients and their families, as well as employer demands to meet certain targets and metrics. 

These issues all contribute to making burnout a common challenge among BCBAs.“This is why BCBAs and their employers need to prioritize personal wellness,” affirms Dr. Kerr. 

Recognizing the Signs of BCBA Burnout 

Burnout symptoms can vary greatly, making it crucial for you to be mindful of changes in your behavior and mood. Common signs include persistent fatigue, irritability, and a noticeable drop in productivity. Perhaps you’re feeling a lack of enthusiasm or satisfaction in your work, or maybe cynicism has started to creep in. 

If you’re constantly overwhelmed by your workload, reluctant to start your workday, or experiencing physical discomfort like insomnia or recurring headaches, these could be indicators that your mental and emotional health is under strain.

If you relate to any of these signs and symptoms, you may be experiencing burnout:

1. Increased Irritability and Frustration: Becoming easily agitated, or snapping at colleagues, clients, or family members.
2. Persistent Fatigue: Feeling tired even after adequate rest, with a lack of energy to engage in activities outside of work.
3. Decreased Motivation and Job Performance: Experiencing a lack of interest or motivation in work tasks that were once enjoyable, as well as a decline in the quality of work, missed deadlines, or increased errors.
4. Cynicism and Detachment: Developing a negative or cynical attitude towards clients, colleagues, or the field of ABA therapy.
5. Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus on tasks, make decisions, or complete work assignments.
6. Physical Symptoms: Experiencing headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal issues, or other physical symptoms related to stress.
7. Withdrawal: Withdrawing from social activities, avoiding interactions with colleagues, or isolating yourself from others.

Self-Care Practices to Prevent BCBA Burnout

1. Say “Yes” to what excites you, say “no” to what drains you

Seek out tasks that fill your cup and put limits on tasks that drain you (Slowiak & DeLongchamp, 2021). Accepting exciting tasks can help add a sense of challenge and accomplishment in your workday. However, be discerning when asked to tackle more duties, particularly if your workload is already hefty. Especially for tasks that are draining, asking for assistance and delegating tasks are not signs of weakness, but of effective management. Achieving equilibrium between the demands of your job with tasks that bring you joy is a critical step towards preventing burnout.

2. Speaking with Your Leader/Manager 

At BlueSprig, we understand the paramount importance of mental and emotional well-being in not only maintaining but enhancing productivity and job satisfaction. That’s why we advocate for an open-dialogue culture, encouraging our team members to actively reach out to their leaders or managers when feeling overwhelmed. Our leaders are trained and willing to provide the necessary support to navigate through such challenging times. Whether it’s adjusting your workload, reassigning tasks, or simply brainstorming solutions to alleviate pressure, remember that your manager is your ally. Engaging in transparent conversations can open up pathways to not only solving immediate issues but also strengthening trust and collaboration within your team.

3. Building a Support Network 

Social support is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against burnout. Cultivating relationships with other BCBAs can offer a platform to exchange experiences, gain advice, and maintain perspective. Close friends and family members are also invaluable in this network. These people can offer emotional support and reminding you of the importance of downtime. Nurturing personal and professional connections not only aids in stress management but can also provide a source of inspiration and camaraderie in your career journey.

4. Prioritizing Self-Care 

Incorporating self-care into your routine is a key element in battling BCBA burnout (Slowiak & DeLongchamp, 2021). Engage in regular physical activity, eat balanced meals, and ensure you get enough rest to rejuvenate your mind and body. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can also aid in reducing stress levels. Throughout your workday, remember to take intermittent breaks to rest and refresh. Also, dedicate time to hobbies and activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Prioritizing your personal well-being enhances your ability to provide high-quality care as a BCBA.

5. Seeking Professional Help 

When burnout begins to feel unmanageable, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Working with a therapist or counselor can equip you with effective strategies for dealing with stress and burnout, by using evidence based strategies shown to fight burnout, including acceptance and commitment therapy  (Szarko et al., 2022). They offer an empathetic and confidential environment where you can freely express your struggles and anxieties. Don’t view this step as an admission of defeat. It’s a proactive measure for building resilience and maintaining your overall wellbeing. Always remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Bluesprig supports staff in seeking care by offering employee assistance programs for all staff and access to mental health services through its healthcare plans. 

How BlueSprig Supports BCBAs

“It’s essential to remember that burnout is not a permanent state,” Dr. Kerr states. “With the right support, resources, and strategies in place, BCBAs can overcome burnout and thrive in their careers. Many employers are dedicated to supporting BCBAs in their journey toward wellness, providing the necessary tools and resources to help them navigate challenges and build resilience.” 

At BlueSprig, we are deeply committed to providing our BCBAs with an enriching and supportive environment. It’s our goal to foster professional growth while enabling practitioners to prioritize their mental health. We understand the importance of creating a safe and enjoyable workplace that not only facilitates excellence in service delivery but also ensures our BCBAs feel valued and supported. Additionally, we believe in the power of camaraderie and relaxation. We regularly organize spirit days, team bonding activities, and more. Our workplaces are not only productive but also fun and rejuvenating. At BlueSprig, supporting our BCBAs in every possible way is at the heart of what we do. We aim to ensure they have everything they need to succeed and maintain their well-being.

To achieve this, we’ve developed a robust BCBA support network which includes a variety of resources and initiatives:

1. A core commitment to clinical excellence and training, including our award winning Training and Development team, to help address common root causes of burnout for BCBAs, such as high turnover and reduced clinical effectiveness.
2. Our Employee Resource Groups, accessible through Viva Engage, offer a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and encouragement, helping our BCBAs to connect and thrive.
3. We recognize the sometimes overwhelming nature of their roles, which is why our Employee Assistance Program is designed to provide confidential support for personal and professional challenges.
4. In times of need, our Employee Relief Fund stands ready to offer financial aid, ensuring our team members feel secure and supported.
5. Regular exercise is a powerful tool for managing stress, improving mood, and boosting overall wellbeing. BlueSprig’s fitness benefits can encourage BCBAs to prioritize physical activity, whether it’s through gym memberships, fitness classes, or other activities.
6. Massage therapy can help alleviate physical tension, reduce muscle soreness, and promote relaxation. By offering massage benefits, BlueSprig enables BCBAs to take proactive steps to address physical symptoms of stress and prevent BCBA burnout.

Dr. Kerr urges BCBAs to participate in self-care to prevent and reduce burnout. “By prioritizing mental and physical health, fostering open communication, and seeking support when needed, BCBAs can create a healthier, more sustainable work environment for themselves and the individuals they serve,” she says. “Together, BCBAs can work towards reducing burnout and promoting a culture of well-being and support within the BCBA community.”

References

Lawson, D. A., & O’Brien, R. (1994). Behavioral and self-report measures of staff burnout in developmental disabilities. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 14(2), 37–54. https://doi.org/10.1300/J075v14n02_04

Schaufeli, W. B., Bakker, A. B., & Van Rhenen, W. (2009). How changes in job demands and resources predict burnout, work engagement, and sickness absenteeism. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 30(7), 893–917. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.595

Slowiak, J. M., & DeLongchamp, A. C. (2022). Self-care strategies and job-crafting practices among behavior analysts: Do they predict perceptions of work–life balance, work engagement, and burnout? Behavior Analysis in Practice, 15(2), 414-432. https://doi-org.portal.lib.fit.edu/10.1007/s40617-021-00570-y