Compassion fatigue (CF) coined by Charles Figley (1995, 2002), refers to the emotional strain experienced by caregivers who internalize the pain of traumatized individuals. It results from prolonged exposure to another’s suffering, manifesting as emotional exhaustion, decreased empathy, and a negative shift in worldview. While CF is most commonly seen in caregivers, first responders, and healthcare professionals, anyone caring for a family member with a serious illness can be affected. In this workshop, psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, medical health professionals, and ministry leaders will examine aspects of assessment and treatment of compassion fatigue and burnout, especially its relationship to internalizing the trauma of clients and patients. Participants will analyze signs and risk factors for both individual CF and global compassion fatigue. Additionally, participants will examine how themes and narratives of CF can be applied in counseling and therapy, including recovery strategies, self-care techniques, and resilience-building. Emphasis will be placed on preventing CF and maintaining compassion satisfaction to sustain caregivers’ well-being.
220 | Heavy Hearts: A Deep Dive into the Impact of Compassion Fatigue and Building Resilienc
PRESENTERS
Nicolina Joubert, Ph.D., MA., BA
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
APA, NBCC, ASWB, NAADAC, IBCC, AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, AOA Category 2A Credits, Georgia Nurses Association, AAFP ,Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Intermediate
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Explain compassion fatigue and burnout and how it relates to the internalization of the pain of traumatized individuals.
2 Analyze the signs and risk factors of both individual compassion fatigue and global compassion fatigue.
3 Identify themes and narratives of compassion fatigue, and how to utilize it in counseling and therapy, including recovery and self-care strategies, resilience, and prevention.