compassion fatigue compassion fatigue has been called an occupational hazard (figley, 1995) for...

Compassion Fatigue

• Compassion Fatigue has been called an occupational hazard (Figley, 1995) for those in the helping profession.

• Research shows that novice counselors are especially susceptible to this construct (Figley, 1995).

Compassion Fatiguing Supervision!

HELP FOR BOTH SUPERVISORS AND INTERNS

Julie Merriman, PHD, LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S, CSCAssistant ProfessorDept. of Psychology and CounselingTarleton State Universitymerriman@tarleton.edu

Heart Story

Objectives

• Concepts of Compassion Fatigue

• Protective Factors

• Compassion Fatigue Symptoms and Risk Factors

• Prevention

• Supervision of Counselor Interns

Providing education during internship concerning compassion fatigue and protective factors, such as self-care, can normalize struggles experienced by interns. Interns can be hesitant to discuss struggles encountered unless encouraged to do so by supervisors.

Concepts of Compassion Fatigue

Secondary Traumatic

Stress

Compassion Fatigue

Secondary Traumatic Stress

• Behaviors and emotions resulting from knowledge about a traumatizing event experienced by another person

• Stress that results from helping this suffering person symptoms are nearly identical to posttraumatic stress disorder (Bride, Radey, & Figley, 2007).

• Figley (1995) originally referred to compassion fatigue under the broad term of secondary traumatic stress, but realized there were specific differences in the concept.

Vicarious Trauma

Countertransference

Burnout

Compassion Satisfaction

Protective Factors

(Rank et al., 2009; Van Hook et al., 2009; Adams et al., 2008; Campbell, 2007; Figley, 2002a; Melchert et al., 1996; Sprang et al., 2007; Webb, 2006; Jacobson, 2006; Gentry, 2002; Figley 2002b; and Leon et al., 1999,)

Risk Facto

rs

Compassion Fatigue Symptoms

Prevention

Purpose of Counselor Supervision

• Facilitate counselor’s professional and personal development

• Promote counselor competencies

• Promote accountable counseling services and programs (Bradley & Ladany, 2001)

Five Basic Activities of Counselor Supervision

• Support• Consultation• Counseling* • Training and Instruction• Evaluation

*(referral may be required)

(Bradley & Ladany, 2001)

Counselor Developmental Model

Six phases

•Lay Helper

•Beginning Student

•Advanced Student

•Novice Professional

•Experienced Professional

•Senior Professional(Ronnstad & Skovolt, 2003)

Go forth with MINDFUL PURPOSE!

…Always with a sense of humor!