Training future psychologists to be competent in self-care: A systematic review

This systematic review explored ways in which doctoral-level clinical and counseling psychology graduate students are trained to build competency in self-care. The study aimed to examine which research methodologies have been utilized to examine self-care training, techniques and content of self-care training, and outcomes and effectiveness of self-care training methods. Twenty-one self-care competency training articles were identified. Results from the systematic review revealed most studies to date are quantitative (47.62%), followed by nonempirical (23.81%), mixed methods (14.29%), and qualitative (14.29%). Among quantitative studies, cross-sectional designs were most common (50%). Five themes of self-care training content were identified: culture of self-care, personal therapy, intervention, workbook/training tool, and mentorship/supervision. Five true outcome studies were identified and included outcomes such as frequency of use of self-care behaviors, self-care competency, wellness, stress, and mindfulness. Preliminary foundational evidence for effectiveness of self-care training methods is discussed. Recommendations are made for future research as well as suggestions at the policy level that incorporate several methods to train the self-care competency across training programs. Trainees and clinicians who practice self-care may then be able to avoid common pitfalls such as burnout, stress, and distress, and thereby function better in their roles as psychologists.