Counseling Burn Out

Burn out is high in my field. Turn over rates are high at counseling agencies as well. Dealing with people with issues, especially those with severe issues such as suicide, major aggression, antisocials, and sex offenders, can be extremely exhausting. It is so important to care but not to take responsiblity for the clients and their actions. I see way too many counselors and social workers in this field believing it is their fault that a client did not get better, when in fact, the client did not want to change or was not willing to make any effort.
I was taught that a counselor should do the majority of the work the first 2-3 sessions but after that, the work is up to the client and you should never be working harder than your client. Especially when working with criminals and adolescents, it is important because they are so guarded and usually do not want the help anyway. However, I personally am willing to put in more effort when dealing with adolescents because they are extremely guarded and usually enter counseling against their will. So I am willing to spend more time and effort to build a relationship with them and be patient to bring them to a point where they want to change. HOWEVER, I do not neglect myself in the process.
Taking care of oneself is highly underrated in this field. Whether it be spending time with friends, reading a good book, watching a movie, or working out, a person must have a release so not to hold on to all that tension. So to all you social workers and counselors out there, make sure to take care of YOU! You can't help others if you are so tired and worn out you can't think straight. That goes for teachers, day care workers, and anyone else who works with people!!!