When the Helper Needs Help: Understanding Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue
Ryan Stivers, PhD, LMFT
Peoria, IL
High stress is part of the job for helping professionals, but what happens when the stress becomes too much? Working with trauma patients can be traumatic for the caregiver. As a result, professionals can experience burnout, depression, anxiety, addiction and relational conflict at work and at home. This presentation will review the symptoms of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. Stigmas associated with professionals seeking help will be discussed, and strategies for self-care will be reviewed.