Session Educational Objectives: 38. COMPASSION FATIGUE | Denise Beagley

This session will focus on compassion fatigue, an occupational hazard, which means that almost everyone who cares for clients will eventually develop some measure of fatigue. Individuals can exhibit a spectrum of symptoms including: hopelessness, a decrease in experiences of pleasure, depression, constant stress and anxiety, sleeplessness or nightmares, and a pervasive negative attitude. We find in the behavioral health field it has a significant presence and can lead to negative outcomes for these helpers; can have an impact on client care and personal relationships; and can lead to health issues. The students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to identify risk and resiliency, factors essential to caring for one’s own health while providing professional care to the clients they serve.