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
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