Compassion fatigue is when you feel tired and can’t feel for others like you used to because you have been around a lot of stress and pain. People who work in healthcare are more susceptible along with those who take care of sick family members. Signs include feeling tired all the time, being irritable, or having trouble caring about others. Dr. Charles Figley defines Compassion Fatigue as the cost of caring for others in emotional and physical distress, it comes from prolonged exposure to others’ trauma. Building resiliency and self-care is imperative to combatting Compassion Fatigue.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will:

1. List signs of compassion fatigue, work overload, vicarious trauma, and burnout in helping professionals;
2. Recognize signs of vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue in themselves;
3. Develop personal resiliency and empathy skills, including methods of self-care.

Patti Treibel-Leeds, Masters in Human Services/Capella University 2003
Independent Consultant/Trainer

Bio: Patti is an independent consultant/Trainer, with certifications in Compassion Fatigue/C3 De-Escalation/Trauma Informed Care. Patti is also a Motivational Speaker, speaking on various topics including self-care, which is a big priority for her. She is retired from Social Work after a 30 year career. The last 18 years was spent in County Government.