This article emphasizes the critical role of self-care in the professional lives of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) therapists and supervisors. It delves into the importance of self-care, elucidating its significance in maintaining therapists' mental health and effectiveness. The article presents a range of practical strategies that promote self-care, providing therapists and supervisors with specific steps to incorporate self-care into their daily routines. Moreover, the article explores common challenges and barriers to self-care, such as a lack of time, feelings of guilt associated with prioritizing one's needs, and a lack of available resources for self-care. The article aims to deepen our understanding of the complexities of practising self-care by shedding light on possible obstacles. In addition, the article includes case vignettes that demonstrate tangible examples of the positive impact of self-care on therapists' mental health and effectiveness. The overarching goal of this article is to encourage ongoing discussion and research on self-care. It advocates a greater emphasis on self-care in CBT and CBT supervision (CBTS), intending to promote the health and well-being of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. The insights and strategies presented in this article serve as a resource for therapists and supervisors striving to achieve a balanced lifestyle while effectively catering to the needs of their clients.

Department of Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Palacky University in Olomouc Czech Republic

Department of Psychological Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences and Health Care Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra Slovak Republic

Department of Psychotherapy Institute for Postgraduate Training in Health Care Prague Czech Republic

Jessenia Inc Rehabilitation Hospital Beroun Akeso Holding MINDWALK s r o Czech Republic

Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine Neuroscience Institute Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Palanga Lithuania

Latvian Association of CBT Latvia

Riga's Stradins University Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy Riga Latvia