Compassion Fatigue in the Animal Care Field     Printer Friendly   e-mail this page   Compassion fatigue—or secondary traumatic stress disorder—is the natural consequence of stress resulting from caring for and helping traumatized or suffering people or animals (Figley, 1993). This condition occurs when professionals who are exposed to trauma experienced by those in their care become so overwhelmed that they themselves experience feelings of fear, pain, and suffering. They may suffer from intrusive thoughts, nightmares, loss of energy, and perception of threats at home or at work. Compassion fatigue can occur in humane advocacy professionals, especially those who must participate in euthanasia of animals. But you don't even have to handle animals or work everyday at a shelter to feel symptoms of compassion fatigue. Animal advocates experience countless first- and second-hand accounts of animal abuse and neglect. Don't worry, compassion fatigue is treatable. Humane Society University is committed to helping the animal welfare field cope with compassion fatigue. We offer a workshop to help you help yourself and help others.  Course Objectives Identify the path and distinctive elements of compassion fatigue in animal related fields: primary and secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and loss accommodation. Determine your susceptibility to compassion fatigue and that of your coworkers through an individual survey and group exercises Understand how to recover from and become resilient to compassion fatigue. Learn how compassion fatigue affects both individuals and their organizations. Develop knowledge and tangible skills necessary to prevent the symptoms of secondary traumatic Who Should Attend? This workshop is beneficial to anyone who helps animals and feels stress and strain as a result of their daily dedication to animals. Animal Caretakers (staff and volunteers) Shelter Managers and Board Members Veterinary Technicians Veterinarians Wildlife Rehabilitators Animal Welfare Advocates and Volunteers Instructors Each training may be taught by one of the following instructors.  More information is available upon request. Robert Roop, PhD, SPHR, Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist Vice President of Human Resources and Education The Humane Society of the United States Diana Clement, MA Director of Humane Society University The Humane Society of the United States Tuition Regular Registration - $55 - $125* *tuition may vary due to local sponsorship, class sizes, or location  View upcoming Coping with Compassion Fatigue Workshops   Don't see a training near you? Check out our hosting opportunities. Download the hosting information packet and training request form for this training. Purchase Compassion Fatigue in the Animal-Care Community, co-authored by Dr. Charles Figley and Dr. Robert Roop, leading experts on compassion fatigue in the animal care and control field. Order online or print the order form. » Watch a 6-minute video about compassion fatigue (Windows Media) featuring Drs. Roop and Figley.

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