Wellbeing in the Professional Activities of a Psychologist
Study Course Implementer
Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587
About Study Course
Objective
Ensure an understanding of the personality of a psychologist that is appropriate to the Master’s level as the main instrument of work, developing the ability of students to purposefully apply self-help technologies and psychohygiene principles for ensuring professional sustainability, burnout preference and maintaining work-life balance in accordance with EuroPsy’s ethical and competence standards.
Preliminary Knowledge
Biopsychosocial approach to health and health psychology.
The regulation and health of the body’s functions.
Cognitive biheivioral theories and methods in psychological counseling.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.1. Analyses a psychologist’s personality as a primary tool of work, understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of stress and their direct impact on the therapeutic process and quality of decision-making. 2. Evidence-based self-regulation approaches and mental models are critically evaluated, understanding their role in the prevention of professional burnout and secondary trauma. 3. Systematise knowledge of the digital environment and artificial intelligence (AI) tools by understanding their impact on a specialist’s cognitive ecology, ethical responsibility and data security. 4 interprets the principles of professional hygiene and sustainability by understanding their relationship with EuroPsy ethical standards and the professional identity of the psychologist.
Skills
1.1. Select and purposefully apply self-regulation techniques and psychosomatic support tools appropriate to the situation, understanding the principles of their operation for managing emotional balance in professional work. 2. Construct a personal professional resilience plan by analysing the necessary digital and analogue resources for effective information management and occupational hygiene. 3. Demonstrate in-depth self-reflection by verbally and in writing analysing their emotional responses, professional boundaries and stress indicators in clinical practice cases. 4. Communicate effectively about the importance of mental well-being and self-care by analysing the risks and resources of interdisciplinary cooperation in maintaining a healthy working environment.
Competences
1.1. Independently manage and plan their sustainable professional development by understanding and integrating self-help technologies, supervision and pshreflexion into everyday practice. 2. Critically evaluate and take responsibility for ethical and data security standards, understanding the risks and benefits of integrating AI assistants and digital tools into the work of a psychologist. 3. Purposefully improve professional identity by analysing the boundaries of their competence and demonstrating high ethical awareness and psychological fluidity in a changing environment.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Critical evaluation of the scientific Article |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Criteria for analysis of the scientific Article: self-help and relaxation techniques (1). Article Bibliographic information and Highlights
2. Technical and theoretical framework
3. Methodology evaluation (basic level)
4. Analysis and interpretation of results
5. Conclusions and
critical reflection: How could a psychologist recommend the technique analysed in a study to a client as a tool for self-help? Is it easy to adapt to everyday life? Limitations: What the authors themselves or the student see as flaws (for example, lack of control group, subjectivity of participants when assessing their condition, short study time)? Student’s own assessment: did the research evidence convince you of the usefulness of this method? How did this Article extend your understanding of the role of relaxation and meditation in psychological health? Recommendation for drawing up individual work (30% of mark)
|
||
|
2.
Case conceptualisation + justification for intervention |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students in a group of 3 choose (or the lecturer assigns) a client case and prepare a structured plan 10-day psychological assistance plan, the focus of which is on self-help, relaxation, meditation techniques, justifies the research (1-2 pp), as well as prepares a presentation (PowerPoint, Canva) and presents 8 min in the final lesson.
establish an intervention plan and justification. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Final test (test + short open questions/situation tasks) |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
A mandatory requirement is the provision of the assessment/feedback of the study course at the end of the study course on the e-learning platform. The provisions regarding the use of AI within the framework of the study, as well as the guidelines in the study process have been observed: https://www.rsu.lv/maksligais-intelekts-augstakaja-izglitiba. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Personality of a psychologist as a work tool and neurobiological basis
Description
Introduction to the course: understanding a specialist’s sense of self as a guarantor of service quality. The topic covers stress physiology, the role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, and neuroplasticity as the basis for learning new self-regulation skills. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Personality of a psychologist as a work tool and neurobiological basis
Description
Introduction to the course: understanding a specialist’s sense of self as a guarantor of service quality. The topic covers stress physiology, the role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, and neuroplasticity as the basis for learning new self-regulation skills. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Personality of a psychologist as a work tool and neurobiological basis
Description
Introduction to the course: understanding a specialist’s sense of self as a guarantor of service quality. The topic covers stress physiology, the role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, and neuroplasticity as the basis for learning new self-regulation skills. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Cognitive self-regulation techniques and mental models
Description
Focus on cognitive biheivioral approach (CBT) technique for element-based self-help methods. Students learn to identify their cognitive distortions in contact with complex clients and apply cognitive oversight to strengthen professional confidence. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Cognitive self-regulation techniques and mental models
Description
Focus on cognitive biheivioral approach (CBT) technique for element-based self-help methods. Students learn to identify their cognitive distortions in contact with complex clients and apply cognitive oversight to strengthen professional confidence. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Cognitive self-regulation techniques and mental models
Description
Focus on cognitive biheivioral approach (CBT) technique for element-based self-help methods. Students learn to identify their cognitive distortions in contact with complex clients and apply cognitive oversight to strengthen professional confidence. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Cognitive self-regulation techniques and mental models
Description
Focus on cognitive biheivioral approach (CBT) technique for element-based self-help methods. Students learn to identify their cognitive distortions in contact with complex clients and apply cognitive oversight to strengthen professional confidence. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Emotional intelligence and the commodity of “sympathy fatigue”
Description
Exploring drawing boundaries between empathy and emotional overflow. Techniques are learned to work with secondary traumatization and methods to maintain therapeutic distance without losing any human connection. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Emotional intelligence and the commodity of “sympathy fatigue”
Description
Exploring drawing boundaries between empathy and emotional overflow. Techniques are learned to work with secondary traumatization and methods to maintain therapeutic distance without losing any human connection. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Emotional intelligence and the commodity of “sympathy fatigue”
Description
Exploring drawing boundaries between empathy and emotional overflow. Techniques are learned to work with secondary traumatization and methods to maintain therapeutic distance without losing any human connection. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Emotional intelligence and the commodity of “sympathy fatigue”
Description
Exploring drawing boundaries between empathy and emotional overflow. Techniques are learned to work with secondary traumatization and methods to maintain therapeutic distance without losing any human connection. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Self-compassion (self-compassion) and acceptance practices
Description
Based on Mindfulness and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) principles, students learn self-compassion as an antidote to perfectionism and “saviour syndrome.” The practice focuses on reducing the internal critic and developing psychological fluidity. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Self-compassion (self-compassion) and acceptance practices
Description
Based on Mindfulness and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) principles, students learn self-compassion as an antidote to perfectionism and “saviour syndrome.” The practice focuses on reducing the internal critic and developing psychological fluidity. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Self-compassion (self-compassion) and acceptance practices
Description
Based on Mindfulness and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) principles, students learn self-compassion as an antidote to perfectionism and “saviour syndrome.” The practice focuses on reducing the internal critic and developing psychological fluidity. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Self-compassion (self-compassion) and acceptance practices
Description
Based on Mindfulness and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) principles, students learn self-compassion as an antidote to perfectionism and “saviour syndrome.” The practice focuses on reducing the internal critic and developing psychological fluidity. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Psychosomatic persistence: breathing and Bio-feedback
Description
Practical work with respiratory techniques and monitoring of heart rate variability (HRV). Learning how to manage physiological stress before and after strenuous consultation in real time integrates a biopsychosocial approach. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Psychosomatic persistence: breathing and Bio-feedback
Description
Practical work with respiratory techniques and monitoring of heart rate variability (HRV). Learning how to manage physiological stress before and after strenuous consultation in real time integrates a biopsychosocial approach. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Psychosomatic persistence: breathing and Bio-feedback
Description
Practical work with respiratory techniques and monitoring of heart rate variability (HRV). Learning how to manage physiological stress before and after strenuous consultation in real time integrates a biopsychosocial approach. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Professional identity and ethical boundaries in the digital environment
Description
Discussions about the psychologist’s image on social media, the specifics of remote consultations and digital etiquette. Data security and ethical dilemmas arising from the use of technology are analysed in accordance with Latvian and international regulations. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Professional identity and ethical boundaries in the digital environment
Description
Discussions about the psychologist’s image on social media, the specifics of remote consultations and digital etiquette. Data security and ethical dilemmas arising from the use of technology are analysed in accordance with Latvian and international regulations. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Professional identity and ethical boundaries in the digital environment
Description
Discussions about the psychologist’s image on social media, the specifics of remote consultations and digital etiquette. Data security and ethical dilemmas arising from the use of technology are analysed in accordance with Latvian and international regulations. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Digital wellbeing and cognitive ecology
Description
The topic of information overload and “digital fatigue.” Students are developing a personal plan for cognitive hygiene: how to manage screen time, reduce digital anxiety, and maintain concentration abilities at work with complex data. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Digital wellbeing and cognitive ecology
Description
The topic of information overload and “digital fatigue.” Students are developing a personal plan for cognitive hygiene: how to manage screen time, reduce digital anxiety, and maintain concentration abilities at work with complex data. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Digital wellbeing and cognitive ecology
Description
The topic of information overload and “digital fatigue.” Students are developing a personal plan for cognitive hygiene: how to manage screen time, reduce digital anxiety, and maintain concentration abilities at work with complex data. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Responsible AI (AI) integration into self-care and work
Description
How AI tools can help a psychologist (documentation automation, research, self-analysis), but what are the risks (academic honesty, data privacy). Practical testing of AI assistants for self-growth planning. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Responsible AI (AI) integration into self-care and work
Description
How AI tools can help a psychologist (documentation automation, research, self-analysis), but what are the risks (academic honesty, data privacy). Practical testing of AI assistants for self-growth planning. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Interdisciplinary cooperation and social support systems
Description
A psychologist as part of a multi-professional team. Topic on the role of supervision, intervision and peer support groups. Students are learning to build a professional support network to prevent isolation in clinical practice. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Interdisciplinary cooperation and social support systems
Description
A psychologist as part of a multi-professional team. Topic on the role of supervision, intervision and peer support groups. Students are learning to build a professional support network to prevent isolation in clinical practice. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Interdisciplinary cooperation and social support systems
Description
A psychologist as part of a multi-professional team. Topic on the role of supervision, intervision and peer support groups. Students are learning to build a professional support network to prevent isolation in clinical practice. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Professional growth and sustainability Plan
Description
At the end of the course, students integrate all the learned topics into an individual “Professional sustainability folder.” This includes self-regulation tools, AI usage guidelines and a long-term refinement strategy. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Professional growth and sustainability Plan
Description
At the end of the course, students integrate all the learned topics into an individual “Professional sustainability folder.” This includes self-regulation tools, AI usage guidelines and a long-term refinement strategy. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Professional growth and sustainability Plan
Description
At the end of the course, students integrate all the learned topics into an individual “Professional sustainability folder.” This includes self-regulation tools, AI usage guidelines and a long-term refinement strategy. |
Bibliography
Required Reading
European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations. (2025). EuroPsy regulations July 2025: European standard and certificate in psychology.
Mārtinsone, K. (Sast.). (2021). Pašpalīdzības un pašvadības iespēju arsenāls krīzes un transformāciju laikā: Metodes ikvienam. Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte.
Neff, K., & Germer, C. (2024). The mindful self-compassion handbook for clinicians: Program guide and sessions. Guilford Press.
Skovholt, T. M., & Trotter-Mathison, M. (2023). The resilient practitioner: Burnout and compassion fatigue prevention and self-care strategies for the helping professions (4th ed.). Routledge.
Wise, E. H., & Barnett, J. E. (2023). Self-care for psychologists: A practical guide for professional resilience and wellbeing. American Psychological Association.
Additional Reading
Irwin, M. R., & Vedhara, K. (Eds.). (2023). The Oxford handbook of psychoneuroimmunology (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Lupton, D. (2025). Digital health and society: New directions. Polity Press.
Nature Medicine. (2024). The practical implementation of artificial intelligence in healthcare: Challenges and opportunities. Nature Medicine, 30(1), 24–36
Yardley, L., & Morrison, L. (2023). Digital behavior change interventions. In J. Suls (Ed.), Handbook of health psychology (pp. 455–472). Routledge.
Other Information Sources
Headspace. (2024). Headspace: Mindful meditation (Versija 5.162.0) [Mobilā lietotne]. Google Play Store.
Mindfulness Coach. (2023). Mindfulness Coach (Versija 3.0) [Mobilā lietotne]. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
University of California, Berkeley. (n.d.). Greater good in action: Science-based practices for a meaningful life[Tiešsaistes platforma].