“The best helpers get help!” – Adam
Let’s be real—helping others is what you do. You listen, guide, and hold space for big emotions. You juggle theories, interventions, and the endless needs of the people who rely on you. You show up, over and over again. But in all that giving, it’s easy to forget one thing: you need support too.
The work we do as counselors and educators can feel isolating. We can’t come home and unpack our day the way others do. Confidentiality keeps us from venting over dinner, and the emotional weight? It adds up—fast. Burnout, compassion fatigue, exhaustion… they’re not just buzzwords. They’re real, and they happen when we put ourselves last for too long.
Here’s the thing: you can’t be everything for everyone if you’re running on empty. You deserve the same care and compassion you give so freely to others. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s the only way to keep showing up with the heart and energy this work demands.
We see you. We respect you. We appreciate you.
And because we are like you, we know this: the best helpers know when to ask for help, too.
We Know What to Do—So Why Aren’t We Doing It?
We all know the drill. Deep breaths, journaling, movement, setting boundaries. The tools for self-care are right in front of us. We teach them, we recommend them, we know they work.
So why aren’t we actually doing them?
The truth? Knowing isn’t the same as doing. We tell ourselves we’ll get to it when things calm down. We push through exhaustion, thinking we can handle just a little more. We give our best energy to others, leaving ourselves with whatever scraps are left. And over time, those scraps aren’t enough.
It’s time to stop waiting for the “right time” to take care of yourself. That time is now. Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation that allows you to keep doing the work you love. Let’s not just talk about these tools—let’s actually use them.
Help is on The Way Toolkit: Let’s Make It Happen
💆♀️ Move Your Body – You don’t need a perfect yoga flow or a marathon plan. Stretch between sessions, take a short walk, release the tension you carry. Just start.
🚶♂️ Find Your People – Join a walking group, text a colleague, or meet up with someone who gets it. Connection is a game-changer, and processing with others (without breaking confidentiality) makes a difference.
🌬 Breathe Like You Mean It – That mindfulness app you downloaded but never use? Open it. Set a 2-minute timer and just breathe. Small steps lead to big shifts.
📖 Write It Out – Stop overthinking what to journal. Jot down a few sentences about your day. Dump the thoughts so they don’t sit in your head all night.
🌿 Get Outside – Nature resets your nervous system. Step away from your screen, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you exist outside of your work.
🛑 Say No Without Guilt – Your time and energy are not unlimited. Protect them. Saying no to one thing means saying yes to yourself.
💬 Talk to Someone – Even therapists need therapists. Don’t just suggest it to others—give yourself permission to get the support you deserve.
The Challenge: One Small Step Today
Reading this won’t change anything—doing something will. Pick one thing from this list and commit to it today. Not next week. Not when things settle down. Right now.
Because you can’t keep pouring from an empty cup. And you deserve to be full.
Here Are Some Favorites Just for You
Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all, and sometimes the best reset comes from stepping outside your routine. Whether you need a little pampering, a good meal, or a quiet nature escape, here are some local gems to help you refill your cup. Because taking care of yourself should feel good.
Books we love
Letters to a Young Therapist by Mary Pipher is a collection of insightful and compassionate letters written to a fictional young therapist starting their career. Drawing from her decades of experience as a psychologist, Pipher shares wisdom on the therapeutic process, the emotional demands of the profession, and the importance of self-care. She discusses real-world challenges therapists face, from working with difficult clients to navigating personal boundaries. The book is warm, accessible, and filled with relatable anecdotes, offering guidance not just for therapists but for anyone interested in human connection and healing.
Traumatized by Kati Morton is a guide to understanding trauma, its effects on mental health, and the healing process. Morton, a licensed therapist and mental health educator, explains what trauma is, how it impacts the brain and body, and the different ways people experience and cope with it. She provides practical tools for recognizing trauma responses, managing triggers, and seeking professional help. The book is accessible and educational, aiming to empower readers with knowledge and strategies for recovery, whether they are survivors of trauma or supporting someone who is.
Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman is a groundbreaking book that explores the psychological impact of trauma and the process of healing. Herman outlines how trauma affects individuals, from survivors of domestic abuse to war veterans, and connects personal trauma to larger societal structures. She introduces the concept of Complex PTSD and explains how trauma disrupts a person’s sense of safety, trust, and identity. The book is divided into two parts: the first examines how trauma manifests, while the second focuses on the stages of recovery—establishing safety, remembrance and mourning, and reconnection. It’s a foundational text in trauma therapy, emphasizing the importance of empowerment, relationships, and social change in healing.
The Vagus Nerve Reset by Anna Ferguson is a guide that explores how to harness the power of the vagus nerve to reduce stress, overcome anxiety, and heal from past trauma. Ferguson, a somatic therapist, integrates practical exercises with the science of Polyvagal Theory to help readers train their nervous systems for greater resilience. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding our physiological stress responses and provides somatic therapies—including mindful movement, breathwork, meditation, and journaling—to establish a mindful connection with our bodies. By tuning into the vagus nerve, readers can gently shape their nervous systems to respond more calmly to daily stressors and heal from past experiences.
Ferguson’s approach aims to help individuals become more aware of their nervous system, recognize what triggers dysregulation, and transform their responses to life’s challenges. The book also highlights that improving vagal tone can lead to benefits such as enhanced sleep, better digestion, and relief from anxiety, contributing to overall health and well-being. Incorporating these practices into daily life allows readers to find anchors of safety amidst chaos, reclaim a sense of control, and step into a more confident, resilient, and grounded version of themselves.
Emotional Inheritance & Workbook
Emotional Inheritance: A Therapist, Her Patients, and the Legacy of Trauma by Galit Atlas explores how unresolved trauma is passed down through generations, often shaping emotions, behaviors, and relationships in ways people may not fully understand. Drawing from her work as a psychoanalyst, Atlas shares real-life case studies that illustrate how inherited trauma influences identity and mental health. She explains the concept of intergenerational trauma, showing how family secrets, unspoken grief, and suppressed emotions can manifest in future generations. The book offers insight into healing by bringing these hidden emotional legacies into awareness, allowing individuals to break cycles of pain and create healthier connections.
Podcasts we listen to
Andrew Huberman “The Huberman Lab”
The Huberman Lab podcast, hosted by Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University, explores science-backed tools for optimizing health, performance, and well-being. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including neuroscience, sleep, stress management, mental health, exercise, nutrition, and cognitive enhancement. Huberman translates complex scientific research into practical strategies, often featuring expert guests in medicine, psychology, and physiology. The show emphasizes evidence-based approaches to improving focus, longevity, emotional resilience, and overall physical and mental health.
Therapists we love
Mary Laughlin APC. Mary @thepursuitcounseling.com
Katie Huggins CIT katie @thepursuitcounseling.com
Julia Akins APC Julia @thepursuitcounseling.com
Jason Collins APC jason @thepursuitcounseling.com
Our Favorite Self-Care in Fayette County!
The Skin Society, located in the heart of Trilith, Georgia, redefines skin health as an essential lifestyle choice. Founded by Katie Belle, who brings over a decade of aesthetic and cosmetic expertise, the clinic emphasizes intentional and effective skincare over fleeting trends. Their mission is to empower individuals to integrate mindful, results-driven rituals into their daily lives, viewing skin health as a commitment to self.
Services offered include facials, massage therapy, injections, laser treatments, chemical peels, skin consultations, microneedling, LED therapy, dermaplaning, collagen boosting, pigmentation correction, and hydration therapy. Each treatment is tailored to individual needs, focusing on achieving and maintaining healthy, radiant skin through commitment, consistency, and education.
Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, with Saturday appointments available upon request. The suite is closed daily from 1 PM to 2 PM for lunch. For appointments or inquiries, contact The Skin Society at 833-338-7546 or via email at info@theskinsociety.com.
Town at Trilith
The Town at Trilith, in Fayetteville, offers families a variety of entertainment and dining options.
Family Entertainment:
- Seasonal Events: The community hosts events like the “Easter Eggstravaganza” and “Trick or Treating at the Town at Trilith,” providing festive activities for all ages.
- Outdoor Movie Series: “Reel Friday at Trilith” offers outdoor movie screenings, allowing families to enjoy films under the stars.
- Fairway Social: This golf-themed restaurant and entertainment center features simulators for various sports, including golf, providing interactive fun for the whole family.
- Barleygarden Kitchen and Craft Bar: Offers a diverse menu with craft beers, suitable for casual family dining.
- Sensu Sushi Restaurant and Bar: Provides a variety of sushi options in a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Thumbs Up Diner: A beloved Atlanta breakfast staple, this diner offers classic breakfast and brunch options, perfect for families.
Nature
Line Creek Nature Trail
The Ridge Nature Trail
At The Pursuit, we believe in empowering you to live your best life. Located in Fayetteville, GA near Town at Trilith and Trilith Studios, our team of skilled therapists is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized counseling services. Whether you’re seeking support for life transitions, anxiety, trauma, or personal growth, we prioritize evidence-based strategies, compassion, and tailored treatment plans to meet your unique needs.Want to start your Pursuit of meaningful change and personal growth?
Continue reading to explore how The Pursuit can help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity.
