The Compassion Fatigue Workbook

The Compassion Fatigue Workbook is a lifeline for any helping professional facing the physical and emotional exhaustion that can shadow work in the helping professions. Since 2001 the activities in this Workbook have helped thousands of helpers in the fields of healthcare, community mental health, correctional services, education, and the military. In addition to a comprehensive description of compassion fatigue and vicarious traumatization, The Compassion Fatigue Workbook leads the reader through experiential activities designed to target specific areas in their personal and professional lives. It provides concrete strategies to help the reader develop a personalized plan for identifying and transforming compassion fatigue and vicarious traumatization.
Topics covered include:
understanding compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma
symptom checklist
targeting areas for strategic planning
understanding warning signs
assessing contributing factors
evaluating self-care
identifying triggers
solutions: personal, professional and organizational strategies.

Françoise Mathieu

Introduction. Understanding the Cost of Caring. Strategy Number One: Low-impact Debriefing. Signs and Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma. Contributing Factors: Understanding How Your Current Job is Impacting You. Addressing Compassion Fatigue: Strategies. Step One - Take Stock: Track Your Stressors at Home and at Work. Step Two - Enhancing Self-Care and Work/Life Balance. Step Three - Developing CF Resiliency Through Relaxation Training and Stress Reduction Techniques. Step Four - Making a Commitment to Change. Reconnecting with the Rewards of the Work. Conclusion. Recommended Readings.