Burnout is something that everyone across the working world struggles with at some point. That being said there are few professions that deal with burnout as often or as intensely as BCBA’s. You have probably experienced this phenomenon sometime during your professional career. Maybe you lost that passion you once had for your work, became under-confident and pessimistic, felt alone and isolated, completely detached from your patients and job, or even experienced all of these feelings all at once. Burnout is a pit that is difficult to climb out of, well unless you have the right mindset and a detailed plan of attack.
Table of Contents
1. Start Scheduling in Time To Do Non-Work Activities That You Enjoy.
Taking care of yourself is crucial to prevent BCBA burnout.
Read more: Autistic Burnout Quiz | Learn the Signs
Here are some ways to recharge and prioritize self-care:
- Find activities that energize you: Experiment with different activities like going to the gym, spending time with friends, or taking a weekend getaway to discover what makes you feel the best.
- Schedule self-care time: Once you identify activities that recharge you, make them a regular part of your routine. Block out dedicated time to prioritize self-care and ensure you have time to unwind.
- Listen to your needs: Pay attention to your body and mind, and give yourself permission to take breaks when needed. Recognize when you’re feeling overwhelmed and take steps to address it.
- Seek support: Connect with other BCBA professionals or join support groups to share experiences and gain insights. Seeking support can provide encouragement and helpful strategies for managing burnout.
Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish especially when dealing with BCBA Burnout but it is necessary for maintaining your well-being and providing the best support to those you work with
Read More: How To Choose the Perfect BCBA & Therapist
2. Set a Work Availability Schedule.
It is more than ok to leave emails till the morning. You of course want to be there for your clients and anyone else who may need your help, but it is important to set healthy work boundaries. Start by promising yourself not to respond to anything outside 9 am – 5 pm (oh whatever hours you consider yourself on the clock). If you find that to be too hard to do have the computer do it for you. Consider setting your work email to only sync between Monday and Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
3. Take a Deep Breath
It could be because of a family member, a moment, or a mentor. Try and think back to that moment, it’s important to remind yourself of this from time to time especially when the waters are choppy.
Read more: Real World Life Skills for Kids
4. Ask for Help!!!
It’s crucial to remember that just because you’re in a job where you help others, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need help yourself. It’s essential to open up and talk about your feelings, stresses, and worries with your loved ones. Sometimes, just having someone to listen can make a difference in how you feel. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your coworkers too, and ask for help. You don’t have to bear the burden of everything alone. Trust me, when you reach out, you’ll be surprised by how willing people are to lend a helping hand.
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You Got This!!!
Dealing with burnout as a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) is challenging, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your career. Consider taking a mini-vacation to recharge and refocus. Implement self-care strategies, seek support from colleagues, and reflect on the passion that led you to become a BCBA in the first place. Remember, burnout is temporary, and with the right steps, you can reignite your motivation and continue making a positive impact as a dedicated BCBA.
Editor’s note: This information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as needed, with a qualified healthcare provider and/or BCBA.
FAQ’s About BCBA Burnout
What is BCBA burnout? BCBA burnout refers to the emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion experienced by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who work with special needs children.
What are the common causes of BCBA burnout? Some common causes of BCBA burnout include high caseloads, long working hours, difficult clients, lack of support from colleagues and supervisors, and the emotional toll of working with special needs children.
What are the symptoms of BCBA burnout? Symptoms of BCBA burnout may include fatigue, lack of motivation, feeling emotionally drained, cynicism, irritability, decreased job satisfaction, and difficulty concentrating.
How can BCBAs prevent burnout? BCBAs can prevent burnout by setting realistic work expectations, practicing self-care, taking breaks when needed, seeking support from colleagues and supervisors, and creating a work-life balance.
How can employers support BCBAs to prevent burnout? Employers can support BCBAs by providing reasonable caseloads, promoting a positive workplace culture, offering regular supervision and feedback, providing opportunities for professional development, and encouraging self-care.
This post was originally published on 12/28/2020. It was updated on 10/06/2023.
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