Quick Guide: Integrating Self-Care into Treatment

Written By Kathleen Bui

Behavioral Understanding & Interventions, LLC

PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

Why Self-Care Matters

Self-care is not a reward—it is an essential part of treatment. Taking care of your physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being improves judgment, emotional regulation, resilience, and overall quality of life

For Providers

During Each Session

Ask these five questions:

  • How have you cared for yourself physically this week?

  • How have you managed your stress?

  • Who have you connected with?

  • What accomplishment are you proud of?

  • What is one self-care goal before our next session?

Encourage SMART Goals

Help clients choose one small, achievable goal each week.

Examples:

  • Walk 15 minutes three times this week.

  • Drink eight glasses of water daily.

  • Practice five minutes of deep breathing each evening.

  • Call one supportive person.

  • Go to bed 30 minutes earlier.

Celebrate Progress

Focus on effort rather than perfection. Small, consistent changes create lasting habits.

For Clients:

Daily Self-Care Check-In

Did I…

☐ Eat balanced meals?

☐ Drink enough water?

☐ Move my body?

☐ Sleep 7–9 hours?

☐ Take medications as prescribed?

☐ Practice relaxation?

☐ Spend time with supportive people?

☐ Limit alcohol or drug use?

☐ Do something enjoyable?

☐ Practice gratitude?

Five Areas of Self-Care

Physical

  • Exercise

  • Nutritious meals

  • Hydration

  • Sleep

  • Medical care

Emotional

  • Journal

  • Deep breathing

  • Identify feelings

  • Practice self-compassion

Mental

  • Read

  • Learn a new skill

  • Solve puzzles

  • Challenge negative thoughts

Social

  • Spend time with healthy supports

  • Ask for help

  • Volunteer

  • Join positive groups

Spiritual

  • Prayer or meditation

  • Time in nature

  • Gratitude

  • Reflect on personal values and purpose

Weekly Reflection

What went well this week?

What challenged me?

One thing I learned about myself:

One self-care goal for next week:

Remember

Self-care is not selfish—it strengthens your ability to make healthy choices, manage emotions, improve relationships, and sustain positive change.

Kathleen Bui