Suggestions on the Need to Develop a Group Counseling Program to Prevent Occupational Therapist Burnout

Introduction : In order to realize the patient-centered philosophy, occupational therapists analyze the patient's work and activities, designate meaningful and performable activities for returning to daily life, and apply them to treatment. In the process of occupational therapy, therapists experience burnout and cause problems in social interactions. This study examines burnout research among occupational therapists and proposes the need to develop a group counseling program to prevent burnout. Main Body : Individuals who suffer from burnout become physically and mentally exhausted, which ultimately reduces their ability to perform their jobs and shows a negligent or cynical attitude toward subjects or jobs. Due to physical and mental exhaustion, one's sense of accomplishment decreases, attachment to one's job or originality decreases, and one feels estranged from customers, fellow employees, and the organization one belongs to. Group counseling programs gain new insights by indirectly learning about other people’s experiences through social interaction. Through group counseling, participants can manage not only personal problems but also interpersonal relationships, workplace problems, emotional regulation, and stress by respecting and supporting each other's emotions. Conclusion : By developing a group counseling program to prevent occupational therapist burnout, therapists can improve self-directed problem-solving skills in social interactions, resolve organizational problems that may arise within the peer group, and resolve conflict situations with subjects. By understanding and providing reasonable alternatives, we will be able to increase occupational therapists' self-efficacy and lower their intention to change jobs, as well as strengthen their sense of calling for occupational therapy that realizes the patient-centered philosophy.