Turning the Tide:
Preventing Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma
Having a prevention plan for compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma is the cornerstone of trauma-informed practices. The effects of compassion fatigue often go unrecognized.
Compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma are predictable and preventable occupational hazards when we are exposed to the suffering of others. Unaddressed, these issues affect our work, relationships and health, leading to systemic dysfunction in an organization.
Participants will learn to identify the warning signs of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma at both the personal and organizational level. Best practices for self-care and organizational response will be highlighted along with strategies to nurture vicarious resilience.
Learning Objectives
- Describe compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.
- List three warning signs of vicarious trauma for an individual and three warning signs at the organizational level.
- Identify two resources that would be useful in addressing compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma in your organization.
- Describe two strategies that you can use in your work/organization to promote vicarious resilience.