Caring for CaregiversCompassion Fatigue
Compassion Fatigue has been defined as
“the emotional exhaustion caused by the stress of caring for and helping traumatized or suffering people or animals.”
– Charles Figley
What is important for those working in the Veterinary/Animal Care Professions to remember is that no matter how skilled or experienced an animal care professional you are, you can’t help but be impacted by the traumas you see each day. Compassion Fatigue is not a condition or disorder, but rather a normal consequence of working in a helping field.
It often brings with it a significant change in one’s ability to empathize with patients and their families as well as coworkers or loved ones. Research shows that veterinary/animal care professionals can be traumatized in many of the same ways as other healthcare professionals, and in fact, some studies suggest that veterinary/animal care professionals may the most vulnerable to compassion fatigue.
While there are many symptoms of Compassion Fatigue, it is most common to see the effects of it in four main areas of our lives:
- Physical
- Psychological
- Social
- Spiritual
It is critical to not only identify our level of Compassion Fatigue, but also to come up with Self-Care Strategies that can be used to manage and combat its effects.
PetLoss Partners will work with you in both managing the effects of Compassion Fatigue and developing an individualized self care plan that works for you.
Compassion Fatigue in the Practice/Agency
It is often said that an organization is only as good as the people in it, but what happens when a part of, or the majority of, the staff within a veterinary practice is struggling with Compassion Fatigue? The practice would not be able to run effectively when everyone working within the organization is affected by Compassion Fatigue symptoms.
It is as though the practice has a widespread Compassion Fatigue “staff infection.”
Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue within a Veterinary Practice/Rescue/Shelter can be seen in various way, including, but not limited to,
- Low morale
- High rates of absenteeism/turnover
- Miscommunication within the organization
- Poor levels of client/patient services
Contact us today to schedule a visit or for more details.
Individual Sessions
Provides a one-on-one intimate setting for anyone who prefers more direct contact with a counselor. Individual sessions are available either in person or by telephone. In these sessions you will be able to:
- Receive the personal attention of the counselor
- Share your feelings in a safe non-judgmental environment
- Identify any areas of concern that you may have
- Develop Solutions and Self-Care Strategies
Compassion Fatigue Support Groups
Limited to groups of 10-14
Benefits of these sessions include:
- Share with others in an intimate, friendly non-judgmental setting
- Interact with others who are experiencing symptoms of Compassion Fatigue
- Gain insight and practical suggestions for managing/combating Compassoin Fatigue