1. Helping You, Help Others
Introduce self
Express gratitude
Dr. Jodi Mullen, PhD, LMHC, RPT-S
Counseling & Psychological Services
SUNY Oswego
Integrative Counseling Services, PLLC

2. It’s in your cells, soul, wiring, upbringing, culture…
You have to help:
It’s in your cells, soul, wiring, upbringing, culture…
Stand up if you HAVE TO HELP

3. Not just the wish, but also the you have to DO something

4. That’s Me
I sometimes feel bad for my consumers. I never think about consumers outside of work. I am a good listener and empathizer. I am problem-solver.

5. Your Superpower & Fatal Flaw
When helpers feel helpless to help. When helpers are helpless to help. When helpers don’t see that they ARE helping. When helpers cannot see that they need help. When helpers don’t or won’t ask for help for themselves.
The result> compassion fatigue

6. Compassion Fatigue
The cumulative transformative effect on the helper of working with survivors of traumatic life events, both positive and negative.

7. What is compassion fatigue?
A state of detachment and isolation when working with people in distress
A sudden stress response that emerges without warning
Referred to as the emotional “cost of caring” for those in emotional and/or physical pain
A combination of burnout and secondary traumatic stress
Stamm’s (2010) Professional Quality of Life Model

8. The Role of Empathy

9. What is Compassion Fatigue

10. Compassion fatigue is unique to the helping professions
Who experiences it?
Compassion fatigue is unique to the helping professions

11. What does Compassion fatigue Look and FEEL like…
Poor Self-Care
Nightmares
Flashbacks
Apathy
Inability to complete tasks
Preoccupation
Isolation
Blaming
Absenteeism

12. Effects
Sense of helpless, isolation, and confusion
May lead to depression and stress-related illnesses
Hinder empathy and cause extreme tension
Reduces ability to bear the suffering of others
May result in diminished consumer care, reduced job satisfaction, and job turnover

13. Overcoming Compassion Fatigue
Preventing and
Overcoming Compassion Fatigue
Plan
Play
Clarify your personal boundaries. What works ; what doesn't. A policy.
Express your needs verbally
Take positive action to change your environment
Utilize Resources :

14. Overcoming Compassion Fatigue
Personal Self-Care
Balance
Sleep
Nutrition
Body Work
Relaxation
Contact with Nature
Creative Expression
Self-Awareness
Spiritual Health
Social Support

15. Do’s and don’ts
Do: Find someone to talk to Understand that the pain you feel is normal Exercising (MOVE) and eating properly Get enough sleep Take some time off Develop interests outside of your helping role Identify what's important to you
Don't: Blame others Fill Voids: Look for a new job, buy a new car… Fall into the habit of complaining with your colleagues Work harder and longer Self-medicate Neglect your own needs and interests

16. Compasssion
muscle sturdiness  fitness  toughness  sap  good health  spryness  gusto dynamism
 force
passion  zeal
zip  verve  radiance  pep  bloom sprightliness  spiritedness 
vivacity  vim  determination  intensity  sparkle
energy  refreshment  rejuvenation  rejuvenescence revitalization vigour  alertness  animation  freshness  get-up-and-go
exuberance  push
 go indefatigability  life  welly  zest  ability  health  liveliness  spirit strength  vigor regeneration
 vitality  hardiness  power  healthiness
 might stamina  ruggedness  snap  punch  activity  dash
 zing