Transforming the Hurt of Helping:
Managing the Compassion Stress of Disaster Workers

Kathleen (Kathy) Regan Figley, MS, MT

Presentation Summary:

Disaster workers at times experience distress from working with people who have been impacted by disaster, particularly if the event is of a catastrophic nature. Some workers may suffer from the cumulative effects of extended or numerous deployments. This workshop will provide disaster workers with necessary tools to prevent, assess and recover from compassion fatigue.

Workshop Goal:

To provide the disaster worker with the basics in the prevention of, assessment of, and recovery from Compassion Fatigue.

Educational Objectives:

1. Identify the factors which contribute to the development of Compassion Fatigue (theory);
2. Describe the elements of self care;
3. Recognize the symptoms of Compassion Fatigue;
4. Identify self-care goals; and
5. Describe the basic elements of a systemic approach to Compassion Stress Management.