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et  al. 2016 , p.  735). Additional factors found to contribute to genetic counselor
burnout are larger patient caseloads, logistical demands, stress from administrative
tasks, lack of workplace support, poor quality of professional relationships, and
extra professional responsibilities (Benoit et al. 2007 ; Lee et al. 2015 ), and having
fewer years of experience and experiencing less meaning from patient care
(Bernhardt et al. 2009 ).

12.2.3 General Strategies for Managing Distress and Preventing

Burnout

Regardless of whether you are a beginning genetic counselor or have practiced for
many years, the following strategies may help you manage distress and avoid burn-
out, thus allowing you to remain actively engaged in your professional growth:

• Recognize and acknowledge what you are experiencing (this strategy alone may
  reduce some symptoms) (Warren et al. 2010 ).


• Engage in self-monitoring and self-reflection activities such as mindfulness
  meditation, reflective writing, peer support groups, and additional communica-
  tion skill-based training (Bernhardt et al. 2009 ; Bernhardt et al. 2010 ).


• Talk with someone (a supervisor, colleague, trusted friend) about your feelings,
  so you can gain perspective (Bernhardt et al. 2009 ).


• Establish clear job roles and expectations (Johnstone et al. 2016 ).


• Practice self-care (Warren et al. 2010 ). For instance, try to lead a balanced life
  that includes leisure and relationships, as well as work (Runyon et  al. 2010 ).
  Peters (2010) notes that “...one important foundation of good self-care is attend-
  ing to the body: becoming mindful about getting enough sleep, eating healthy
  foods and finding time for recreation” (p. 327)


• Practice relaxation exercises (cf. Peters 2010).


• Address negative emotions prompted by your work (Warren et  al. 2010 ).
  “Positive emotions promote discovery of novel and creative actions, ideas, and
  social bonds, which in turn expand personal resources” (Peters 2010, p. 327).


• If you have perfectionistic standards, you may need to adjust the expectations
  you have of yourself, your patients, your peers, and your employer (Jungbluth
  et al. 2011 ).


• Maintain a curiosity about people, developments in the profession, and yourself
  (Osborn 2004 ).


• Enjoy life, and cultivate and use your sense of humor.


• Keep work and non-work activities separate. For example, one counselor in a
  study of lessons learned on the job commented: “‘I learned that I can separate
  work life and personal life, but it takes a conscious effort. I learned I can be good
  at my job, make a difference at work, but not let it define my whole life. Having
  other things in my life is important to me, especially if I don’t want to burn out in
  5 years. Upon graduation, I had this idea that the best genetic counselors let their

12.2 Distress and Burnout