Compassion Fatigue

What is Compassion Fatigue?

Compassion Fatigue is not easily defined!

the natural behaviors and emotions that arise from knowing about a traumatizing event experienced by a significant other

the stress resulting from helping or wanting to help a traumatized person

a state of exhaustion and dysfunction-biologically,psychologically,and socially-as a result from prolonged exposure to compassion stress

CF is identical to secondary traumatic stress disorder(STSD) and is the equivalent of PTSD"(Figley,l995)

Also called Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder

and

Vicarious Trauma

HOW DOES IT AFFECT THERAPIST?

Vicarious Trauma refers the changes that occur within a therapist as a result of empathic engagement with client's trauma experiences

What are the emotional dangers of Compassion Fatigue?

Work that is focused on the relief of client's emotional suffering typically results in the absorption of information about human suffering,thus we can absorb that suffering(Figley)

Our client's issues are contagious:"The therapist may find she has

taken over the pathology of her patient within herself to such an extent that the therapist feels sick"(English,l976)

The therapist may actually experience The therapist may actually experience

emotions and other symptoms that are emotions and other symptoms that are

very similar to the victim.very similar to the victim.

Three areas of secondary traumatic stress reactions/symptoms:

• Psychological distress

• Changes in cognitive schema• Relationship disturbances

Psychological distress

Changes in cognitive schema

Relationship disturbances

Stress:Stress: any demand or challenge that creates tension or threat requiring adaptive response

Counter-transference:Counter-transference: internal identification with the victim which leads to feelings of hopelessness, despair and powerlessness

Burnout:Burnout: a state of physical,emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by long term involvement in situations that are emotionally demanding

Spirituality

the link to the core

Twelve Twelve StepsSteps

Compassion Fatigue and ethical concerns:

rescue attempts

boundary violations

control

poor judgement

Self Interest

Save Self

Self Care

How can I help myself?

Compassion Fatigue