when helping hurts, compassion fatigue and the veterinary care profession dr. kathleen ayl, pet loss...

When Helping Hurts, When Helping Hurts, Compassion Fatigue Compassion Fatigue and The Veterinary and The Veterinary

Care ProfessionCare Profession

When Helping Hurts, When Helping Hurts, Compassion Fatigue Compassion Fatigue and The Veterinary and The Veterinary

Care ProfessionCare Profession

Dr. Kathleen Ayl,Dr. Kathleen Ayl,Pet Loss Recovery and Pet Loss Recovery and

Compassion Fatigue SpecialistCompassion Fatigue Specialist

Dr. Kathleen Ayl,Dr. Kathleen Ayl,Pet Loss Recovery and Pet Loss Recovery and

Compassion Fatigue SpecialistCompassion Fatigue Specialist

Copyright, KEA, 2015

Compassion Compassion WithoutWithout Balance Can Balance Can LeadLead To To

DisasterDisaster

Compassion Compassion WithoutWithout Balance Can Balance Can LeadLead To To

DisasterDisasterMost Veterinary Professionals Are Highly Most Veterinary Professionals Are Highly

Compassionate. Often, However That Compassionate. Often, However That Compassion Is Reserved For Others But Compassion Is Reserved For Others But

Not Offered To Themselves.Not Offered To Themselves.

Finding That Compassion & Balance Finding That Compassion & Balance Through Proactive Self Care Is Through Proactive Self Care Is Imperative In Order To AvoidImperative In Order To Avoid

Compassion Fatigue Compassion Fatigue

Most Veterinary Professionals Are Highly Most Veterinary Professionals Are Highly Compassionate. Often, However That Compassionate. Often, However That

Compassion Is Reserved For Others But Compassion Is Reserved For Others But Not Offered To Themselves.Not Offered To Themselves.

Finding That Compassion & Balance Finding That Compassion & Balance Through Proactive Self Care Is Through Proactive Self Care Is Imperative In Order To AvoidImperative In Order To Avoid

Compassion Fatigue Compassion Fatigue


My GoalMy GoalMy GoalMy Goal

To Provide To Provide Proactive Support Proactive Support To To Veterinary Team Members In Order That Veterinary Team Members In Order That They Can Avoid Compassion Fatigue They Can Avoid Compassion Fatigue Altogether Through The Development Of Altogether Through The Development Of Resiliency Resiliency

To Assist Those Who Have Already Fallen To Assist Those Who Have Already Fallen Into The Clutches Of Compassion Fatigue Into The Clutches Of Compassion Fatigue Find Their Way Back To ThemselvesFind Their Way Back To Themselves

To Provide To Provide Proactive Support Proactive Support To To Veterinary Team Members In Order That Veterinary Team Members In Order That They Can Avoid Compassion Fatigue They Can Avoid Compassion Fatigue Altogether Through The Development Of Altogether Through The Development Of Resiliency Resiliency

To Assist Those Who Have Already Fallen To Assist Those Who Have Already Fallen Into The Clutches Of Compassion Fatigue Into The Clutches Of Compassion Fatigue Find Their Way Back To ThemselvesFind Their Way Back To Themselves


The Qualities That Make You The Qualities That Make You A Valuable Team Member A Valuable Team Member

Can Be The Same Qualities Can Be The Same Qualities That Steal Your Emotional, That Steal Your Emotional,

Spiritual, Financial & Physical Spiritual, Financial & Physical ResourcesResources

The Qualities That Make You The Qualities That Make You A Valuable Team Member A Valuable Team Member

Can Be The Same Qualities Can Be The Same Qualities That Steal Your Emotional, That Steal Your Emotional,

Spiritual, Financial & Physical Spiritual, Financial & Physical ResourcesResources


Honoring The Patients, Honoring The Patients, The Clients & OurselvesThe Clients & OurselvesHonoring The Patients, Honoring The Patients, The Clients & OurselvesThe Clients & Ourselves

Clients Often Express Loyalty To Clients Often Express Loyalty To Practices Providing Compassionate Practices Providing Compassionate Support, Which Can Be As Important Support, Which Can Be As Important As Medical Or Palliative Care.As Medical Or Palliative Care.

Your Ability To Empathize & Be Your Ability To Empathize & Be Present & Compassionate Allows This Present & Compassionate Allows This To HappenTo Happen

Clients Often Express Loyalty To Clients Often Express Loyalty To Practices Providing Compassionate Practices Providing Compassionate Support, Which Can Be As Important Support, Which Can Be As Important As Medical Or Palliative Care.As Medical Or Palliative Care.

Your Ability To Empathize & Be Your Ability To Empathize & Be Present & Compassionate Allows This Present & Compassionate Allows This To HappenTo Happen


Honoring YourselvesHonoring YourselvesHonoring YourselvesHonoring Yourselves

Clinicians Tend To Be More Scientifically Clinicians Tend To Be More Scientifically Minded When Approaching Cases and Minded When Approaching Cases and And More Comfortable With Things Like And More Comfortable With Things Like Diagnoses, Treatment Plans And Diagnoses, Treatment Plans And Procedures. However…Procedures. However…

You Must Be Able To Recognize And You Must Be Able To Recognize And Become Comfortable With Become Comfortable With Your Own Your Own FeelingsFeelings And To Honor Them, Which, In And To Honor Them, Which, In Turn Honors Your Clients, Your Patients Turn Honors Your Clients, Your Patients and Yourselves.and Yourselves.

Clinicians Tend To Be More Scientifically Clinicians Tend To Be More Scientifically Minded When Approaching Cases and Minded When Approaching Cases and And More Comfortable With Things Like And More Comfortable With Things Like Diagnoses, Treatment Plans And Diagnoses, Treatment Plans And Procedures. However…Procedures. However…

You Must Be Able To Recognize And You Must Be Able To Recognize And Become Comfortable With Become Comfortable With Your Own Your Own FeelingsFeelings And To Honor Them, Which, In And To Honor Them, Which, In Turn Honors Your Clients, Your Patients Turn Honors Your Clients, Your Patients and Yourselves.and Yourselves.


Compassion Fatigue:Compassion Fatigue:

A Very Real Problem In A Very Real Problem In Veterinary MedicineVeterinary Medicine



Sympathy: An Awareness & Understanding About Another Person’s Pain or Painful

Situation

Empathy: To Vicariously Experience Someone Else’s Pain (Walk In Their Shoes)

Compassion Denotes Being Fully Present For Another Being Who Has Been Traumatized Or Who Is Suffering

Compassion Focuses Our Empathy And Sympathy And Puts Them Into Action In An Effort To Try And Help…


What Is Compassion Fatigue?What Is Compassion Fatigue?What Is Compassion Fatigue?What Is Compassion Fatigue?

Compassion Fatigue Is The Physical, Mental Compassion Fatigue Is The Physical, Mental & Spiritual Exhaustion, Accompanied By & Spiritual Exhaustion, Accompanied By Acute Emotional Pain, That Stems From Acute Emotional Pain, That Stems From Caregiving.Caregiving.

It Is Caused By Working Continually With It Is Caused By Working Continually With The Trauma and Suffering Of Others While The Trauma and Suffering Of Others While Not Taking Care Of Our Own Physical, Not Taking Care Of Our Own Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Needs. Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Needs.

Compassion Fatigue Is The Physical, Mental Compassion Fatigue Is The Physical, Mental & Spiritual Exhaustion, Accompanied By & Spiritual Exhaustion, Accompanied By Acute Emotional Pain, That Stems From Acute Emotional Pain, That Stems From Caregiving.Caregiving.

It Is Caused By Working Continually With It Is Caused By Working Continually With The Trauma and Suffering Of Others While The Trauma and Suffering Of Others While Not Taking Care Of Our Own Physical, Not Taking Care Of Our Own Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Needs. Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Needs.


What Causes Compassion What Causes Compassion Fatigue In Veterinary Fatigue In Veterinary

Medicine?Medicine?

What Causes Compassion What Causes Compassion Fatigue In Veterinary Fatigue In Veterinary

Medicine?Medicine?

Repeated, Long-Term Exposure To The Repeated, Long-Term Exposure To The Trauma, Suffering And Losses Of OthersTrauma, Suffering And Losses Of Others

The Lack Of A Well Balanced LifeThe Lack Of A Well Balanced Life

Continual And Exhausting Physical & Continual And Exhausting Physical & Emotional Demands Of Our Profession Emotional Demands Of Our Profession

Repeated, Long-Term Exposure To The Repeated, Long-Term Exposure To The Trauma, Suffering And Losses Of OthersTrauma, Suffering And Losses Of Others

The Lack Of A Well Balanced LifeThe Lack Of A Well Balanced Life

Continual And Exhausting Physical & Continual And Exhausting Physical & Emotional Demands Of Our Profession Emotional Demands Of Our Profession


When The Veterinary When The Veterinary Team Is Out Of Team Is Out Of

BalanceBalance

When The Veterinary When The Veterinary Team Is Out Of Team Is Out Of

BalanceBalance


The Veterinary TeamThe Veterinary TeamThe Veterinary TeamThe Veterinary Team

Left Unaddressed, Compassion Left Unaddressed, Compassion Fatigue Can And Does Lead To Fatigue Can And Does Lead To Career Dissatisfaction, High Career Dissatisfaction, High Turnover Rates, Problems With Turnover Rates, Problems With Personal Relationships, Substance Personal Relationships, Substance Abuse, Isolation, Self Destructive Abuse, Isolation, Self Destructive Behaviors & Even Suicide.. Behaviors & Even Suicide..

Left Unaddressed, Compassion Left Unaddressed, Compassion Fatigue Can And Does Lead To Fatigue Can And Does Lead To Career Dissatisfaction, High Career Dissatisfaction, High Turnover Rates, Problems With Turnover Rates, Problems With Personal Relationships, Substance Personal Relationships, Substance Abuse, Isolation, Self Destructive Abuse, Isolation, Self Destructive Behaviors & Even Suicide.. Behaviors & Even Suicide..


Compassion Compassion Fatigue,Fatigue,

The Inner & Outer The Inner & Outer Factors…Factors…

Compassion Compassion Fatigue,Fatigue,

The Inner & Outer The Inner & Outer Factors…Factors…


Intrinsic FactorsIntrinsic FactorsIntrinsic FactorsIntrinsic Factors

The Ability To Experience Emotion The Ability To Experience Emotion And Pick Up On Emotional Cues Of And Pick Up On Emotional Cues Of Others.Others.

Personality Types; PerfectionismPersonality Types; Perfectionism

Lack of Assertiveness Lack of Assertiveness

A Sensitivity To Suffering A Sensitivity To Suffering

The Ability To Experience Emotion The Ability To Experience Emotion And Pick Up On Emotional Cues Of And Pick Up On Emotional Cues Of Others.Others.

Personality Types; PerfectionismPersonality Types; Perfectionism

Lack of Assertiveness Lack of Assertiveness

A Sensitivity To Suffering A Sensitivity To Suffering Copyright, KEA, 2015

Extrinsic FactorsExtrinsic FactorsExtrinsic FactorsExtrinsic Factors Time Constraints (Too Much To Do In Time Constraints (Too Much To Do In

Too Little) Too Little)

Ongoing Exposure To Trauma, Ongoing Exposure To Trauma, Suffering and DeathSuffering and Death

Your Own, Personal Unresolved Your Own, Personal Unresolved

Trauma And GriefTrauma And Grief

Work Related Stressors Work Related Stressors

Time Constraints (Too Much To Do In Time Constraints (Too Much To Do In Too Little) Too Little)

Ongoing Exposure To Trauma, Ongoing Exposure To Trauma, Suffering and DeathSuffering and Death

Your Own, Personal Unresolved Your Own, Personal Unresolved

Trauma And GriefTrauma And Grief

Work Related Stressors Work Related Stressors Copyright, KEA, 2015

TheTheGrieving Grieving

Process… Process…

A Long & Lonely Road A Long & Lonely Road

TheTheGrieving Grieving

Process… Process…

A Long & Lonely Road A Long & Lonely Road


Veterinary Team Members Must Veterinary Team Members Must Honor Their Own Feelings & Honor Their Own Feelings &

Issues Of Grief and LossIssues Of Grief and Loss

Veterinary Team Members Must Veterinary Team Members Must Honor Their Own Feelings & Honor Their Own Feelings &

Issues Of Grief and LossIssues Of Grief and Loss Loss, and The Threat Thereof, Can Have Loss, and The Threat Thereof, Can Have

An Overwhelming Effect On Us And It An Overwhelming Effect On Us And It Must Be Addressed And Dealt With.Must Be Addressed And Dealt With.

The Intensity Of Grief Is A Direct The Intensity Of Grief Is A Direct Reflection Of The Intensity Of The Reflection Of The Intensity Of The Relationship Shared.Relationship Shared.

Profound Loss Lasts A Lifetime And We Profound Loss Lasts A Lifetime And We MustMust Be Aware Of Our Issues Around It. Be Aware Of Our Issues Around It.

Loss, and The Threat Thereof, Can Have Loss, and The Threat Thereof, Can Have An Overwhelming Effect On Us And It An Overwhelming Effect On Us And It Must Be Addressed And Dealt With.Must Be Addressed And Dealt With.

The Intensity Of Grief Is A Direct The Intensity Of Grief Is A Direct Reflection Of The Intensity Of The Reflection Of The Intensity Of The Relationship Shared.Relationship Shared.

Profound Loss Lasts A Lifetime And We Profound Loss Lasts A Lifetime And We MustMust Be Aware Of Our Issues Around It. Be Aware Of Our Issues Around It.


Grief And The ClinicianGrief And The ClinicianGrief And The ClinicianGrief And The Clinician Veterinary Team Members Can & Do Veterinary Team Members Can & Do

Form Deep Attachments With Patients & Form Deep Attachments With Patients & Clients.Clients.

Making It Even More Difficult:Making It Even More Difficult: Ending A Life That You’ve Spent A Lot Ending A Life That You’ve Spent A Lot

Of Time and Energy Saving.Of Time and Energy Saving. Feeling Powerless Over Your Inability Feeling Powerless Over Your Inability

To Control The Disease and It’s To Control The Disease and It’s Consequential Problems.Consequential Problems.

The Emotional Pain When A Patient The Emotional Pain When A Patient Dies In A Difficult Way.Dies In A Difficult Way.

Veterinary Team Members Can & Do Veterinary Team Members Can & Do Form Deep Attachments With Patients & Form Deep Attachments With Patients & Clients.Clients.

Making It Even More Difficult:Making It Even More Difficult: Ending A Life That You’ve Spent A Lot Ending A Life That You’ve Spent A Lot

Of Time and Energy Saving.Of Time and Energy Saving. Feeling Powerless Over Your Inability Feeling Powerless Over Your Inability

To Control The Disease and It’s To Control The Disease and It’s Consequential Problems.Consequential Problems.

The Emotional Pain When A Patient The Emotional Pain When A Patient Dies In A Difficult Way.Dies In A Difficult Way.


The Grieving ProcessThe Grieving ProcessThe Grieving ProcessThe Grieving Process

As It Is For Our Clients, So Too Is It As It Is For Our Clients, So Too Is It For Ourselves…In Order To Heal For Ourselves…In Order To Heal From The Horrendous Pain Of Grief, From The Horrendous Pain Of Grief, We Must Have A Safe Place In We Must Have A Safe Place In Which To Express Our Emotions On Which To Express Our Emotions On An Ongoing Basis Where: An Ongoing Basis Where:

Our Feelings Are Validated Our Feelings Are Validated

And We Are Not JudgedAnd We Are Not Judged

As It Is For Our Clients, So Too Is It As It Is For Our Clients, So Too Is It For Ourselves…In Order To Heal For Ourselves…In Order To Heal From The Horrendous Pain Of Grief, From The Horrendous Pain Of Grief, We Must Have A Safe Place In We Must Have A Safe Place In Which To Express Our Emotions On Which To Express Our Emotions On An Ongoing Basis Where: An Ongoing Basis Where:

Our Feelings Are Validated Our Feelings Are Validated

And We Are Not JudgedAnd We Are Not Judged


The Grieving Process The Grieving Process The Grieving Process The Grieving Process

The Most Important Gift You Can Give The Most Important Gift You Can Give Yourself, Or Anyone Who Is Grieving, Is Yourself, Or Anyone Who Is Grieving, Is Someone Who Someone Who Cares To ListenCares To Listen..

Remember: There Is No Specific Remember: There Is No Specific Treatment Protocol, Treatment Protocol, Grief Is IndividualGrief Is Individual..

Remain Sensitive And Open To Your Remain Sensitive And Open To Your Needs As Well As The Needs Of Your Needs As Well As The Needs Of Your Clients and Fellow Team Members.Clients and Fellow Team Members.

The Most Important Gift You Can Give The Most Important Gift You Can Give Yourself, Or Anyone Who Is Grieving, Is Yourself, Or Anyone Who Is Grieving, Is Someone Who Someone Who Cares To ListenCares To Listen..

Remember: There Is No Specific Remember: There Is No Specific Treatment Protocol, Treatment Protocol, Grief Is IndividualGrief Is Individual..

Remain Sensitive And Open To Your Remain Sensitive And Open To Your Needs As Well As The Needs Of Your Needs As Well As The Needs Of Your Clients and Fellow Team Members.Clients and Fellow Team Members.


The Grieving ProcessThe Grieving ProcessThe Grieving ProcessThe Grieving Process

There Is No Script Nor Road Map For There Is No Script Nor Road Map For Grief; It Is A Process, Something That Grief; It Is A Process, Something That Evolves Over Time.Evolves Over Time.

The Only Way Through Grief Is To Feel The Only Way Through Grief Is To Feel It, Honor It, and Express It Over and It, Honor It, and Express It Over and Over Again. It Is Not Easy, But It Is Over Again. It Is Not Easy, But It Is Necessary In Order To Find Ourselves Necessary In Order To Find Ourselves Again. Again.

There Is No Script Nor Road Map For There Is No Script Nor Road Map For Grief; It Is A Process, Something That Grief; It Is A Process, Something That Evolves Over Time.Evolves Over Time.

The Only Way Through Grief Is To Feel The Only Way Through Grief Is To Feel It, Honor It, and Express It Over and It, Honor It, and Express It Over and Over Again. It Is Not Easy, But It Is Over Again. It Is Not Easy, But It Is Necessary In Order To Find Ourselves Necessary In Order To Find Ourselves Again. Again.


Grief and EuthanasiaGrief and EuthanasiaGrief and EuthanasiaGrief and Euthanasia

There Is A High Degree Of Trauma, Grief There Is A High Degree Of Trauma, Grief And Compassion Fatigue Among And Compassion Fatigue Among Veterinary Team Members Who Are Veterinary Team Members Who Are Forced To Perform Euthanasia On A Forced To Perform Euthanasia On A Frequent Basis. Frequent Basis.

-The Most Stressful Of Which Are -The Most Stressful Of Which Are Owners Opting For Euthanasia OnOwners Opting For Euthanasia On Perfectly Healthy Pets Or Those ThatPerfectly Healthy Pets Or Those That Could Have Benefited From Could Have Benefited From

Veterinary Care. Veterinary Care.

There Is A High Degree Of Trauma, Grief There Is A High Degree Of Trauma, Grief And Compassion Fatigue Among And Compassion Fatigue Among Veterinary Team Members Who Are Veterinary Team Members Who Are Forced To Perform Euthanasia On A Forced To Perform Euthanasia On A Frequent Basis. Frequent Basis.

-The Most Stressful Of Which Are -The Most Stressful Of Which Are Owners Opting For Euthanasia OnOwners Opting For Euthanasia On Perfectly Healthy Pets Or Those ThatPerfectly Healthy Pets Or Those That Could Have Benefited From Could Have Benefited From

Veterinary Care. Veterinary Care. Copyright, KEA, 2015

The Stress Of Not Letting The Stress Of Not Letting GoGo

The Stress Of Not Letting The Stress Of Not Letting GoGo

Also Stressful, Frustrating And Emotionally Also Stressful, Frustrating And Emotionally Difficult To Deal With Are Clients Who Are Difficult To Deal With Are Clients Who Are Not Prepared To Let Go Of A Pet That Is Not Prepared To Let Go Of A Pet That Is Suffering Or No Longer Has What You Suffering Or No Longer Has What You Consider An Acceptable Quality Of Life. Consider An Acceptable Quality Of Life.

We Can All Become Blinded By The Love We We Can All Become Blinded By The Love We Have For Our Pets Or The Fear Of Dealing Have For Our Pets Or The Fear Of Dealing With The Pain Of Their Loss, Which Can With The Pain Of Their Loss, Which Can Render Us Incapable Of Making The Right Render Us Incapable Of Making The Right Decisions. Decisions.

Also Stressful, Frustrating And Emotionally Also Stressful, Frustrating And Emotionally Difficult To Deal With Are Clients Who Are Difficult To Deal With Are Clients Who Are Not Prepared To Let Go Of A Pet That Is Not Prepared To Let Go Of A Pet That Is Suffering Or No Longer Has What You Suffering Or No Longer Has What You Consider An Acceptable Quality Of Life. Consider An Acceptable Quality Of Life.

We Can All Become Blinded By The Love We We Can All Become Blinded By The Love We Have For Our Pets Or The Fear Of Dealing Have For Our Pets Or The Fear Of Dealing With The Pain Of Their Loss, Which Can With The Pain Of Their Loss, Which Can Render Us Incapable Of Making The Right Render Us Incapable Of Making The Right Decisions. Decisions.


Caring For The ClinicianCaring For The Clinician

Struggling To Find Your BalanceStruggling To Find Your Balance


Caring for the ClinicianCaring for the ClinicianCaring for the ClinicianCaring for the Clinician It Is Normal For The Veterinary Team To It Is Normal For The Veterinary Team To

Go Through A Wide Range Of Difficult Go Through A Wide Range Of Difficult Emotions That May Lead To The Emotions That May Lead To The Feelings Of Wanting To Withdraw Or Feelings Of Wanting To Withdraw Or Isolate.Isolate.

Clinicians Must Give Themselves Clinicians Must Give Themselves Permission To Grieve. Left Permission To Grieve. Left Unaddressed, Grief Alone Can Lead To: Unaddressed, Grief Alone Can Lead To: Depression; Anxiety; Mistrust; Disease; Depression; Anxiety; Mistrust; Disease; A Sense Of Hopelessness and A Sense Of Hopelessness and Ultimately, Ultimately, Compassion FatigueCompassion Fatigue. .

It Is Normal For The Veterinary Team To It Is Normal For The Veterinary Team To Go Through A Wide Range Of Difficult Go Through A Wide Range Of Difficult Emotions That May Lead To The Emotions That May Lead To The Feelings Of Wanting To Withdraw Or Feelings Of Wanting To Withdraw Or Isolate.Isolate.

Clinicians Must Give Themselves Clinicians Must Give Themselves Permission To Grieve. Left Permission To Grieve. Left Unaddressed, Grief Alone Can Lead To: Unaddressed, Grief Alone Can Lead To: Depression; Anxiety; Mistrust; Disease; Depression; Anxiety; Mistrust; Disease; A Sense Of Hopelessness and A Sense Of Hopelessness and Ultimately, Ultimately, Compassion FatigueCompassion Fatigue. .


Caring For Our Caring For Our TechniciansTechnicians

Caring For Our Caring For Our TechniciansTechnicians

Technicians Typically Have A Huge Technicians Typically Have A Huge Amount Of Responsibilities And Find Amount Of Responsibilities And Find Themselves Continually In Highly Stressful Themselves Continually In Highly Stressful Situations.Situations.

They Are Forced To Multitask Most Of The They Are Forced To Multitask Most Of The Time Time

They Must Communicate With Clients On They Must Communicate With Clients On Highly Sensitive IssuesHighly Sensitive Issues

Technicians Typically Have A Huge Technicians Typically Have A Huge Amount Of Responsibilities And Find Amount Of Responsibilities And Find Themselves Continually In Highly Stressful Themselves Continually In Highly Stressful Situations.Situations.

They Are Forced To Multitask Most Of The They Are Forced To Multitask Most Of The Time Time

They Must Communicate With Clients On They Must Communicate With Clients On Highly Sensitive IssuesHighly Sensitive Issues


Caring For Our InternsCaring For Our InternsCaring For Our InternsCaring For Our InternsThe Typical Veterinary Intern Has A Huge The Typical Veterinary Intern Has A Huge Amount Of Responsibilities And Must Also Amount Of Responsibilities And Must Also Communicate With Emotional Clients On Communicate With Emotional Clients On Sensitive Issues Such As Euthanasia.Sensitive Issues Such As Euthanasia.

Most Interns Are Sleep Deprived And The Most Interns Are Sleep Deprived And The Idea Of Self-Care Is But A Distant Dream Idea Of Self-Care Is But A Distant Dream To Them. Being Physically & Emotionally To Them. Being Physically & Emotionally Exhausted, They Can Become Overly Exhausted, They Can Become Overly Emotional When Dealing With Trauma Emotional When Dealing With Trauma And Grief. And Grief.

The Typical Veterinary Intern Has A Huge The Typical Veterinary Intern Has A Huge Amount Of Responsibilities And Must Also Amount Of Responsibilities And Must Also Communicate With Emotional Clients On Communicate With Emotional Clients On Sensitive Issues Such As Euthanasia.Sensitive Issues Such As Euthanasia.

Most Interns Are Sleep Deprived And The Most Interns Are Sleep Deprived And The Idea Of Self-Care Is But A Distant Dream Idea Of Self-Care Is But A Distant Dream To Them. Being Physically & Emotionally To Them. Being Physically & Emotionally Exhausted, They Can Become Overly Exhausted, They Can Become Overly Emotional When Dealing With Trauma Emotional When Dealing With Trauma And Grief. And Grief.


Don’t Forget The Front Don’t Forget The Front Desk Desk

Don’t Forget The Front Don’t Forget The Front Desk Desk

Front Office Team Members Are Front Office Team Members Are Often Affected By Trauma, Loss, Often Affected By Trauma, Loss, Euthanasia & Grief Which Seldom Euthanasia & Grief Which Seldom Gets AcknowledgedGets Acknowledged

Yet They Define Our Practices! We Yet They Define Our Practices! We Must Honor Their Feelings And Make Must Honor Their Feelings And Make Sure They Are Honoring Themselves Sure They Are Honoring Themselves And Getting The Help They Deserve. And Getting The Help They Deserve.

Front Office Team Members Are Front Office Team Members Are Often Affected By Trauma, Loss, Often Affected By Trauma, Loss, Euthanasia & Grief Which Seldom Euthanasia & Grief Which Seldom Gets AcknowledgedGets Acknowledged

Yet They Define Our Practices! We Yet They Define Our Practices! We Must Honor Their Feelings And Make Must Honor Their Feelings And Make Sure They Are Honoring Themselves Sure They Are Honoring Themselves And Getting The Help They Deserve. And Getting The Help They Deserve.

copyright, KEA, 2015

Caring For The ClinicianCaring For The ClinicianCaring For The ClinicianCaring For The Clinician Veterinary Caregivers Must Learn How Veterinary Caregivers Must Learn How

To Take Care Of Themselves. To Take Care Of Themselves.

Foreign Concept?! Yes, As We Have Foreign Concept?! Yes, As We Have Seen…Most Veterinary Professionals Seen…Most Veterinary Professionals Have A Difficult Time Doing So! Have A Difficult Time Doing So!

We Need To Be Able To Process Our We Need To Be Able To Process Our Own Losses On An On-Going Basis Own Losses On An On-Going Basis Through On-Site Support or Regularly Through On-Site Support or Regularly Scheduled De-Briefing Sessions.Scheduled De-Briefing Sessions.

Veterinary Caregivers Must Learn How Veterinary Caregivers Must Learn How To Take Care Of Themselves. To Take Care Of Themselves.

Foreign Concept?! Yes, As We Have Foreign Concept?! Yes, As We Have Seen…Most Veterinary Professionals Seen…Most Veterinary Professionals Have A Difficult Time Doing So! Have A Difficult Time Doing So!

We Need To Be Able To Process Our We Need To Be Able To Process Our Own Losses On An On-Going Basis Own Losses On An On-Going Basis Through On-Site Support or Regularly Through On-Site Support or Regularly Scheduled De-Briefing Sessions.Scheduled De-Briefing Sessions.


Compassion FatigueCompassion Fatigue

When Life Becomes A Blur…When Life Becomes A Blur…


When Helping Hurts…When Helping Hurts…When Helping Hurts…When Helping Hurts…

Exhaustion & Despair Often Exhaustion & Despair Often Accompany Repeated, Long-Term Accompany Repeated, Long-Term Exposure To The Suffering of Both Exposure To The Suffering of Both Patients & Clients. Patients & Clients.

Combined With Massive Emotional & Combined With Massive Emotional & Physical Demands & The Financial Physical Demands & The Financial Climate Affecting Client’s Treatment Climate Affecting Client’s Treatment Decisions, Its No Wonder That Decisions, Its No Wonder That Compassion Fatigue Is So Common Compassion Fatigue Is So Common Amongst Veterinary Professionals Amongst Veterinary Professionals Today. Today.

Exhaustion & Despair Often Exhaustion & Despair Often Accompany Repeated, Long-Term Accompany Repeated, Long-Term Exposure To The Suffering of Both Exposure To The Suffering of Both Patients & Clients. Patients & Clients.

Combined With Massive Emotional & Combined With Massive Emotional & Physical Demands & The Financial Physical Demands & The Financial Climate Affecting Client’s Treatment Climate Affecting Client’s Treatment Decisions, Its No Wonder That Decisions, Its No Wonder That Compassion Fatigue Is So Common Compassion Fatigue Is So Common Amongst Veterinary Professionals Amongst Veterinary Professionals Today. Today.


Behavioral: Uncharacteristically Impatient, Behavioral: Uncharacteristically Impatient, Irritable, Withdrawn, Depressed, Irritable, Withdrawn, Depressed, Overwhelmed or Frustrated. Experiencing Overwhelmed or Frustrated. Experiencing Sleep and/or Appetite Changes.Sleep and/or Appetite Changes.

Cognitive: Ruminations of Traumatic Cognitive: Ruminations of Traumatic Events; Forgetfulness; Nightmares; Events; Forgetfulness; Nightmares; Diminished Concentration; Short Term Diminished Concentration; Short Term Memory Deficits; Inability To Complete A Memory Deficits; Inability To Complete A Task.Task.

Emotional: Feeling Powerless; Angry; Emotional: Feeling Powerless; Angry; Guilty; Anxious; Sad; Numb; Apathetic.Guilty; Anxious; Sad; Numb; Apathetic.

Behavioral: Uncharacteristically Impatient, Behavioral: Uncharacteristically Impatient, Irritable, Withdrawn, Depressed, Irritable, Withdrawn, Depressed, Overwhelmed or Frustrated. Experiencing Overwhelmed or Frustrated. Experiencing Sleep and/or Appetite Changes.Sleep and/or Appetite Changes.

Cognitive: Ruminations of Traumatic Cognitive: Ruminations of Traumatic Events; Forgetfulness; Nightmares; Events; Forgetfulness; Nightmares; Diminished Concentration; Short Term Diminished Concentration; Short Term Memory Deficits; Inability To Complete A Memory Deficits; Inability To Complete A Task.Task.

Emotional: Feeling Powerless; Angry; Emotional: Feeling Powerless; Angry; Guilty; Anxious; Sad; Numb; Apathetic.Guilty; Anxious; Sad; Numb; Apathetic.

Symptoms When Dealing Symptoms When Dealing With With The Ultimate Identity The Ultimate Identity

ThiefThief

Symptoms When Dealing Symptoms When Dealing With With The Ultimate Identity The Ultimate Identity

ThiefThief



Veterinary Medicine Loses Many Veterinary Medicine Loses Many Talented Professionals Needlessly, Talented Professionals Needlessly, Every Year, To Compassion Fatigue.Every Year, To Compassion Fatigue.

Many Leave The Profession, Others May Many Leave The Profession, Others May Turn To Substance Use & Abuse & OtherTurn To Substance Use & Abuse & Other

Self Sabotaging Behaviors & Some Self Sabotaging Behaviors & Some DecideDecide

To End Their Own Lives. To End Their Own Lives.

Veterinary Medicine Loses Many Veterinary Medicine Loses Many Talented Professionals Needlessly, Talented Professionals Needlessly, Every Year, To Compassion Fatigue.Every Year, To Compassion Fatigue.

Many Leave The Profession, Others May Many Leave The Profession, Others May Turn To Substance Use & Abuse & OtherTurn To Substance Use & Abuse & Other

Self Sabotaging Behaviors & Some Self Sabotaging Behaviors & Some DecideDecide

To End Their Own Lives. To End Their Own Lives.



At This Point, If You Are Thinking At This Point, If You Are Thinking ThatThat

You Might Already Have CompassionYou Might Already Have Compassion

Fatigue, You Probably Do…. Fatigue, You Probably Do….

At This Point, If You Are Thinking At This Point, If You Are Thinking ThatThat

You Might Already Have CompassionYou Might Already Have Compassion

Fatigue, You Probably Do…. Fatigue, You Probably Do….



Where Do We Go From Here? How Do Where Do We Go From Here? How Do We Fix Compassion Fatigue?We Fix Compassion Fatigue?

-As Is True With Anything, -As Is True With Anything, Recognizing Recognizing & Identifying It Is The First Step.& Identifying It Is The First Step.

-Learning How To-Learning How To Care Of Yourself Care Of Yourself Physically, Emotionally, Mentally and Physically, Emotionally, Mentally and SpirituallySpiritually On AOn A Proactive BasisProactive Basis..

Where Do We Go From Here? How Do Where Do We Go From Here? How Do We Fix Compassion Fatigue?We Fix Compassion Fatigue?

-As Is True With Anything, -As Is True With Anything, Recognizing Recognizing & Identifying It Is The First Step.& Identifying It Is The First Step.

-Learning How To-Learning How To Care Of Yourself Care Of Yourself Physically, Emotionally, Mentally and Physically, Emotionally, Mentally and SpirituallySpiritually On AOn A Proactive BasisProactive Basis..


When Helping Hurts…When Helping Hurts…When Helping Hurts…When Helping Hurts…The Road To Recovery For Which There The Road To Recovery For Which There Is No Roadmap! Somewhere We Is No Roadmap! Somewhere We Stopped Doing The Things That Stopped Doing The Things That Benefitted Us And Now We Must Bring Benefitted Us And Now We Must Bring Them Back Into Our Lives Them Back Into Our Lives

-Time To Rediscover How To Play -Time To Rediscover How To Play

-Learn To Relax And Not Have To Do -Learn To Relax And Not Have To Do

-Learn To Set Limits (Say “No”)-Learn To Set Limits (Say “No”)

-Find The Humor In Life-Find The Humor In Life

-Be Compassionate With Yourself-Be Compassionate With Yourself

The Road To Recovery For Which There The Road To Recovery For Which There Is No Roadmap! Somewhere We Is No Roadmap! Somewhere We Stopped Doing The Things That Stopped Doing The Things That Benefitted Us And Now We Must Bring Benefitted Us And Now We Must Bring Them Back Into Our Lives Them Back Into Our Lives

-Time To Rediscover How To Play -Time To Rediscover How To Play

-Learn To Relax And Not Have To Do -Learn To Relax And Not Have To Do

-Learn To Set Limits (Say “No”)-Learn To Set Limits (Say “No”)

-Find The Humor In Life-Find The Humor In Life

-Be Compassionate With Yourself-Be Compassionate With Yourself


Learning How To Play,Learning How To Play,When Helping Hurts…When Helping Hurts…Learning How To Play,Learning How To Play,When Helping Hurts…When Helping Hurts…

Play Is Defined As “Time Spent Play Is Defined As “Time Spent Without Purpose”. (Stuart Brown)Without Purpose”. (Stuart Brown)

Play Is Highly Therapeutic When Play Is Highly Therapeutic When You Allow Yourself To Be Absorbed You Allow Yourself To Be Absorbed In It.In It.

Through Play You Allow Yourself To Through Play You Allow Yourself To Rejuvenate.Rejuvenate.

Play Is Defined As “Time Spent Play Is Defined As “Time Spent Without Purpose”. (Stuart Brown)Without Purpose”. (Stuart Brown)

Play Is Highly Therapeutic When Play Is Highly Therapeutic When You Allow Yourself To Be Absorbed You Allow Yourself To Be Absorbed In It.In It.

Through Play You Allow Yourself To Through Play You Allow Yourself To Rejuvenate.Rejuvenate. Copyright, KEA, 2015

If You Struggle With Setting Limits, Ask If You Struggle With Setting Limits, Ask Yourself The Following Questions: Yourself The Following Questions:

Would You Feel Comfortable Asking Would You Feel Comfortable Asking Someone Else To Do The Same Thing Someone Else To Do The Same Thing That You Are Being Asked To Do?That You Are Being Asked To Do?

If You Struggle With Setting Limits, Ask If You Struggle With Setting Limits, Ask Yourself The Following Questions: Yourself The Following Questions:

Would You Feel Comfortable Asking Would You Feel Comfortable Asking Someone Else To Do The Same Thing Someone Else To Do The Same Thing That You Are Being Asked To Do?That You Are Being Asked To Do?


Setting LimitsSetting LimitsSetting LimitsSetting Limits

Setting Limits When Setting Limits When Helping HurtsHelping Hurts

Setting Limits When Setting Limits When Helping HurtsHelping Hurts

Think Of Someone That You Know And Think Of Someone That You Know And Respect, Someone That Has Good Respect, Someone That Has Good Boundaries. Then Ask Yourself The Boundaries. Then Ask Yourself The Following Question, “How Would They Following Question, “How Would They Handle This Request Regarding Doing Handle This Request Regarding Doing Something That They Didn’t Particularly Something That They Didn’t Particularly Want To Do?”Want To Do?”

Think Of Someone That You Know And Think Of Someone That You Know And Respect, Someone That Has Good Respect, Someone That Has Good Boundaries. Then Ask Yourself The Boundaries. Then Ask Yourself The Following Question, “How Would They Following Question, “How Would They Handle This Request Regarding Doing Handle This Request Regarding Doing Something That They Didn’t Particularly Something That They Didn’t Particularly Want To Do?”Want To Do?”


New Golden Rule For New Golden Rule For Veterinary Professionals…Veterinary Professionals…

New Golden Rule For New Golden Rule For Veterinary Professionals…Veterinary Professionals…

Do On To Yourself As You Would Do On To Yourself As You Would Have Done On To Others!Have Done On To Others!

Do On To Yourself As You Would Do On To Yourself As You Would Have Done On To Others!Have Done On To Others!


Finding Humor In Life, Finding Humor In Life, When Helping Hurts…When Helping Hurts…Finding Humor In Life, Finding Humor In Life, When Helping Hurts…When Helping Hurts…

Amid All The Pain, Humor Can Exist Amid All The Pain, Humor Can Exist In The Most Unlikely Places. Your In The Most Unlikely Places. Your Job Is To Find It…Job Is To Find It… Surround Yourself With Funny People, Surround Yourself With Funny People,

Comedy Radio Stations, Funny Comedy Radio Stations, Funny Television Programs, Live Comedy Television Programs, Live Comedy Shows, Funny Movies.Shows, Funny Movies.

Like Play, Like Play, Laughter IsLaughter Is TherapeuticTherapeutic..

Amid All The Pain, Humor Can Exist Amid All The Pain, Humor Can Exist In The Most Unlikely Places. Your In The Most Unlikely Places. Your Job Is To Find It…Job Is To Find It… Surround Yourself With Funny People, Surround Yourself With Funny People,

Comedy Radio Stations, Funny Comedy Radio Stations, Funny Television Programs, Live Comedy Television Programs, Live Comedy Shows, Funny Movies.Shows, Funny Movies.

Like Play, Like Play, Laughter IsLaughter Is TherapeuticTherapeutic..Copyright, KEA, 2015

When Helping HurtsWhen Helping HurtsWhen Helping HurtsWhen Helping Hurts

Many Benefit From: Mindfulness Many Benefit From: Mindfulness Training; Yoga; Mediation; Tai Chi; Training; Yoga; Mediation; Tai Chi; Physical Exercise; Quiet Time; Physical Exercise; Quiet Time; Massage Therapy; Relaxing Our Massage Therapy; Relaxing Our Muscles, Getting In Touch With Muscles, Getting In Touch With Nature and Creativity.Nature and Creativity.

Creativity Provides Direct Access Creativity Provides Direct Access To “Soul Stuff” Or That Which Is To “Soul Stuff” Or That Which Is Buried Deeply Within.Buried Deeply Within.

Many Benefit From: Mindfulness Many Benefit From: Mindfulness Training; Yoga; Mediation; Tai Chi; Training; Yoga; Mediation; Tai Chi; Physical Exercise; Quiet Time; Physical Exercise; Quiet Time; Massage Therapy; Relaxing Our Massage Therapy; Relaxing Our Muscles, Getting In Touch With Muscles, Getting In Touch With Nature and Creativity.Nature and Creativity.

Creativity Provides Direct Access Creativity Provides Direct Access To “Soul Stuff” Or That Which Is To “Soul Stuff” Or That Which Is Buried Deeply Within.Buried Deeply Within.



Implement Your Self-Care Plan and Implement Your Self-Care Plan and Share What You’ve Learned With Share What You’ve Learned With Your Team…All Will Benefit! Your Team…All Will Benefit!

Implement Your Self-Care Plan and Implement Your Self-Care Plan and Share What You’ve Learned With Share What You’ve Learned With Your Team…All Will Benefit! Your Team…All Will Benefit!


In Conclusion…In Conclusion…In Conclusion…In Conclusion…



Don’t Wait For This To Happen To You. Don’t Wait For This To Happen To You. Through Through Proactive Self-Care Proactive Self-Care Compassion Fatigue Can Be PreventedCompassion Fatigue Can Be Prevented

Concentrate on Concentrate on What You Can DoWhat You Can Do, Not , Not On What You Can’tOn What You Can’t

Honor Yourself And Your Feelings And Honor Yourself And Your Feelings And

Strive Always To Remain Congruent, Strive Always To Remain Congruent, Compassionate and Mindful Compassionate and Mindful

Don’t Wait For This To Happen To You. Don’t Wait For This To Happen To You. Through Through Proactive Self-Care Proactive Self-Care Compassion Fatigue Can Be PreventedCompassion Fatigue Can Be Prevented

Concentrate on Concentrate on What You Can DoWhat You Can Do, Not , Not On What You Can’tOn What You Can’t

Honor Yourself And Your Feelings And Honor Yourself And Your Feelings And

Strive Always To Remain Congruent, Strive Always To Remain Congruent, Compassionate and Mindful Compassionate and Mindful


The Hidden GiftsThe Hidden GiftsThe Hidden GiftsThe Hidden Gifts

Our Struggles Are Amongst Our Our Struggles Are Amongst Our Greatest Teachers, Teaching Us Most Greatest Teachers, Teaching Us Most About Who We Are. About Who We Are.

Loss Is A Constant Reminder That Our Loss Is A Constant Reminder That Our Relationships Won’t Last Forever. Relationships Won’t Last Forever.

Grief and Loss Gift Us With A Sense of Grief and Loss Gift Us With A Sense of Preciousness and Appreciation For The Preciousness and Appreciation For The Moments We Have With The Ones We Moments We Have With The Ones We Care About. Care About.

Our Struggles Are Amongst Our Our Struggles Are Amongst Our Greatest Teachers, Teaching Us Most Greatest Teachers, Teaching Us Most About Who We Are. About Who We Are.

Loss Is A Constant Reminder That Our Loss Is A Constant Reminder That Our Relationships Won’t Last Forever. Relationships Won’t Last Forever.

Grief and Loss Gift Us With A Sense of Grief and Loss Gift Us With A Sense of Preciousness and Appreciation For The Preciousness and Appreciation For The Moments We Have With The Ones We Moments We Have With The Ones We Care About. Care About.


In Summary…In Summary…In Summary…In Summary…

In Order To Best Take Care Of Others In Order To Best Take Care Of Others We Must First Take Care Of We Must First Take Care Of OurselvesOurselves

We Must Bring Back Into Our Lives We Must Bring Back Into Our Lives Those Things That Were Fun, Those Things That Were Fun, Relaxing, Nourishing, Fulfilling or Relaxing, Nourishing, Fulfilling or PeacefulPeaceful

We Must Learn How To Relax Our We Must Learn How To Relax Our Muscles During Times Of TraumaMuscles During Times Of Trauma

In Order To Best Take Care Of Others In Order To Best Take Care Of Others We Must First Take Care Of We Must First Take Care Of OurselvesOurselves

We Must Bring Back Into Our Lives We Must Bring Back Into Our Lives Those Things That Were Fun, Those Things That Were Fun, Relaxing, Nourishing, Fulfilling or Relaxing, Nourishing, Fulfilling or PeacefulPeaceful

We Must Learn How To Relax Our We Must Learn How To Relax Our Muscles During Times Of TraumaMuscles During Times Of Trauma


In Summary…In Summary…In Summary…In Summary…

You Are A Compassionate And You Are A Compassionate And Talented Veterinary Professional Talented Veterinary Professional YouYou Are Not An Invincible Superhero! Are Not An Invincible Superhero!

Treat Yourself With The Same Care Treat Yourself With The Same Care And Respect That You Give Others And Respect That You Give Others And Compassion Fatigue Will Not And Compassion Fatigue Will Not Become An Issue. Become An Issue.

You Are A Compassionate And You Are A Compassionate And Talented Veterinary Professional Talented Veterinary Professional YouYou Are Not An Invincible Superhero! Are Not An Invincible Superhero!

Treat Yourself With The Same Care Treat Yourself With The Same Care And Respect That You Give Others And Respect That You Give Others And Compassion Fatigue Will Not And Compassion Fatigue Will Not Become An Issue. Become An Issue.


Dr. Ayl Can Be Reached At: Dr. Ayl Can Be Reached At: [email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]

For Copies Of “When For Copies Of “When Helping Hurts, Helping Hurts,

Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Fatigue and The Veterinary Profession” The Veterinary Profession”

Go To: aahanet.org,Go To: aahanet.org, amazon.com oramazon.com or

barnesandnoble.com barnesandnoble.com

. .

Dr. Ayl Can Be Reached At: Dr. Ayl Can Be Reached At: [email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]

For Copies Of “When For Copies Of “When Helping Hurts, Helping Hurts,

Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Fatigue and The Veterinary Profession” The Veterinary Profession”

Go To: aahanet.org,Go To: aahanet.org, amazon.com oramazon.com or

barnesandnoble.com barnesandnoble.com

. .


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.griefassociates.com/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.griefassociates.com/

when helping hurts, compassion fatigue and the veterinary care profession dr. kathleen ayl, pet loss...

Documents

compassion fatigue copyright

profession copyright

clutches of compassion

compassion balance

veterinary medicinecopyright

veterinary care professiondr

veterinary team members

acute emotional pain