Embracing authentic professionalism: a path to sustainable practice in allied health and educational Settings

Discover the power of embracing your authentic self and creating a safe, supportive environment for both professionals and children in allied health and educational settings.

As educators and health professionals, the statistics tell us that we are at high risk of burn out, with approximately 80% of the workforce experiencing burnout during their career.

Exploring the factors contributing to high levels of burnout and how we can safeguard our own well-being is a powerful way to start making a shift towards a sustainable career.

Within our workplaces, we often find ourselves conforming to societal expectations of what it means to be "professional." Some of this may be conscious, but often our behaviour is guided by the explicit and implicit messages we've received throughout our lives about what 'professionalism' looks and sounds like. This performative professionalism is steeped in neuronormativity and the norms of a patriarchal, capitalist society.

Unfortunately, this can take a toll on our well-being and freedom to be our authentic selves, especially for those of us who are neurodivergent. In a recent webinar I hosted, I explored the concept of neuroaffirming professionalism. This approach emphasises the importance of self-awareness, celebrating neurodiversity, and creating environments where both we and our clients can thrive.

The Impact of Performative Professionalism

We learn about professionalism from various sources, including our education, university placements, and the media. However, the messages about professionalism are often inconsistent and place pressure on us to conform to certain expectations. This performative professionalism can lead to a lack of authenticity and vulnerability in both work and personal life. During a recent webinar, I shared my own experience as an unidentified neurodivergent person struggling to fit into these expectations, which led to imposter syndrome and ultimately to burning out, many times.

Embracing Authentic Professionalism

To combat the negative effects of performative professionalism, I'm advocating for a shift towards authentic professionalism. This approach involves embracing imperfection, vulnerability, and our individual needs. By prioritising self-awareness and celebrating neurodiversity, we can create a safe and supportive environment for ourselves and our clients. Authentic professionalism allows us to be "human beings first, not human doings," leading to improved well-being and optimal functioning.

Ready to dive deeper into aligning your own practice with being your most authentic and effective self?

Check out the On-Demand Webinar: Neuroaffirming Care for Allied Health Professionals: Embracing Knowledge & Awareness of Neuroscience for Better Client Outcomes.