• About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Shop Merch
SWHELPER
  • Login
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Mental Health
  • LGBTQ
  • Justice
No Result
View All Result
Post Jobs
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Mental Health
  • LGBTQ
  • Justice
No Result
View All Result
SWHELPER
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Health Mental Health

Our Capacity for Compassion…

Daniel Jacob, MSWbyDaniel Jacob, MSW
06/13/2013
in Mental Health, School Social Work
0
Our Capacity for Compassion…
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

by Daniel Jacob, MSW

imagesOur individual capacity for compassion is often uniquely different. However, have you ever thought about what we as helping professionals share in common, and how this in itself could impact our well-being?  Turns out that if you bring true compassion, empathy, care and concern into your practice, you’re more than likely to be vulnerable to Compassion Fatigue.  What is Compassion Fatigue?

Its our capacity for compassion, but it can impact us in ways which can ultimately impact our personal self and our professional practice.  Many helping professionals continue to experience the feelings and symptoms of this important concept, and thus are reaching out to understand it, learn from it, and hopefully take action to manage it.

Compassion Fatigue: An Introduction.

“Most of us became counselors because we wanted to assist others in need. Yet our capacity for compassion, along with the intensity of our work can, at times, leave us vulnerable for “compassion fatigue.” This is a term that was coined to describe the set of symptoms experienced by caregivers who become so overwhelmed by the exposure to the feelings and experiences of their clients that they themselves experience feelings of fear, pain, and suffering including intrusive thoughts, nightmares, loss of energy, and hypervigilance. It can be cumulative (from the effects helping many clients) or occur in response to a particularly challenging or traumatic individual case. This extreme state of anxiety and preoccupation with the suffering of those being helped becomes traumatizing for the helper. For this reason it is sometimes called “vicarious traumatization” or “secondary traumatization” (Figley, 1995).”

My hope by writing this piece is that it will give you a clear and concise understanding of how your own capacity for compassion can impact your well-being while becoming informed. It’s important to be aware of the how, what, and why is behind the fatigue you can’t seem to recover from. There is plenty of available research and information on this topic. Understanding the presenting signs will hopefully lead to early recognition and awareness which is vital to your resiliency in managing the effects of compassion fatigue. Understanding and Preventing Compassion Fatigue is another resource to help you further your search for information.

As I have given you a base of knowledge here, the next step is for you to open the door towards change. Even, if this means advocating for and educating about compassion fatigue within your own professional setting.  May this find you well as you continue to reach, teach, empower and support all while helping yourself in the process!

Share this:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
Tags: Daniel JacobinspirationMental HealthSocial Work
Previous Post

Digital Divide Continues to Widen in South Carolina

Next Post

Interview with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice on Social Work and Poliltics

Next Post
Interview with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice on Social Work and Poliltics

Interview with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice on Social Work and Poliltics

Please login to join discussion
ADVERTISEMENT

Featured Jobs

Medical Social Worker - OSH
Tempe, AZ - CVS Health
At CVS Health, we're building a world of health ar...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Coudersport, PA - UPMC Cole
UPMC Cole seeks enthusiastic, warm and optimistic ...
Assistant Professor, Violence Against Women Cluster
Orlando, FL - University of Central Florida
The OpportunityThe University of Central Florida (...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker-LCSW
Austin, TX - Central Health
Are you a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passiona...
Social Worker (Clinical) 2025-8687
Fort Eisenhower, GA - Defense Health Agency
OverviewThis position is located at the Dwight D. ...
Social Worker: 2025-8565
Fort Riley, KS - Defense Health Agency
Overview About the Position: This position is loca...
School Social Worker (Autism)
Chicago, IL - PACTT Learning Center
PACTT Learning Center is seeking a social worker t...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LPC, LMFT)
Madison, WI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented therapist...
Medical Social Worker
Lexington, KY - CVS Health
At CVS Health, we're building a world of health ar...
Licensed Social Worker
Raleigh, NC - Optum
First Step Services, part of the Optum family of b...
Field Licensed Social Worker in North East Houston, TX
Houston, TX - Optum
Opportunities at WellMed, part of the Optum family...
Project Manager You RISE Project
Jakarta - Plan International
BACKGROUND Indonesia faces a significant youth une...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Kingwood, TX - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Yorktown Heights, NY - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented therapist...
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Outpatient-Sign on bonus!
Salt Lake City, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Outpatient-Sign on bonus!
Riverton, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Riverside, RI - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LISW-CP)
Summerville, SC - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LISW-CP)
Cayce, SC - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Outpatient-Sign on bonus!
Murray, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Outpatient-Sign on bonus!
Draper, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Outpatient-Sign on bonus!
Riverton, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Case Manager - Days
Yuma, AZ - Yuma Regional Medical Center
Work Status Details: REGULAR FULL TIME | 80.00 Hou...
Social Worker Hybrid in Austin, TX
Austin, TX - Optum
WellMed, part of the Optum family of businesses, i...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Columbia, MD - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Easton, MD - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
HOSPICE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER
Sanford, NC - Liberty Health
HOSPICE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER Sanford-NC-27237-Uni...
HOSPICE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER
Lumberton, NC - Liberty Health
HOSPICE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER Lumberton-NC-28358-U...
Bilingual Spanish Speaking SCR CWS - Child Welfare Specialist - Chicago - Upward Mobility Job Details | State of Illinois
Chicago, IL - State of Illinois
Bilingual Spanish Speaking SCR CWS - Child Welfare...
Foster Care Social Worker (Trainee/Full Performance)
Arlington, VA - Arlington County Government
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 8/07/2025, 11:59 PM The Chil...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Pittsford, NY - Optum
Psychiatry Services of New York, part of Optum fam...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LISW-CP)
North Charleston, SC - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LPC, LMFT)
Port Washington, WI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented therapist...
Division Chief, Maternal and Fetal Medicine
San Antonio, TX - Curative
The Executive & Academic Search team with Doxi...
MSW Social Worker
Chatsworth, CA - Optum
For those who want to invent the future of health ...
LICSW Clinical Supervisor - Mankato MN
Mankato, MN - Optum
CARE Counseling, part of the Optum family of busin...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (REMOTE)
Gig Harbor, WA - LifeStance Health
Sign-On Bonus!We are actively looking to hire tale...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (REMOTE)
Olympia, WA - LifeStance Health
Sign-On Bonus!We are actively looking to hire tale...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (REMOTE)
Sammamish, WA - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Licensed ...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (REMOTE)
Bothell, WA - LifeStance Health
Sign-On Bonus!We are actively looking to hire tale...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Edmonds, WA - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Licensed ...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Renton, WA - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Licensed ...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (REMOTE)
Lakewood, WA - LifeStance Health
Sign-On Bonus!We are actively looking to hire tale...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Jacksonville, FL - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Bristol, TN - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Nashville, TN - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Knoxville, TN - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Assistant Professor of Law and Advocacy with Children, Youth and Families
Santa Clara, CA - Santa Clara University
Position Type:Assistant Professor of Law and Advoc...
Geriatric Social Worker
Brockton, MA - Harbor Health Services Inc
Harbor Health  operates two PACE/Elder Servic...
Associate Director for the Wilks Institute of Leadership & Service
Oxford, OH - Miami University
Job Description Summary The Associate Director is ...
View All JobsPost a Job
Powered by

  • Ending the Therapeutic Relationship: Creative Termination Activities

    Ending the Therapeutic Relationship: Creative Termination Activities

    94 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What Feelings Are In Your Heart: An Art Therapy Exercise for Kids

    694 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Biopsychosocial Perspective to Mental Health and Illness

    3 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Stages of Development: Aging Across the Life Span

    580 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • My Journey as a Teacher and the Future of Education

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
ADVERTISEMENT
SWHELPER

We bring content to support you and the people you care about in their various stages of life. If you are searching in google on how to help or assist a loved one or yourself, check out our content.

LEARN MORE »

  • Terms of Service
  • Article Submissions
  • Advertising
  • Shop Merch

© 2024 SWHELPER.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Category
    • Business
    • Culture
    • Economy
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Travel
    • Opinion
    • Politics
    • Tech
    • World
  • Find/Post Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Shop Merch

© 2024 SWHELPER.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    If You Enjoyed This Post
    Join Our Newsletter
    Subscribe
    Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime.
    Close