In over two decades of working in the social work and mental health profession, I have experienced compassion fatigue multiple times throughout my career, though I wasn't initially aware of what was happening to me. Like many of my colleagues, I minimized the signs of emotional exhaustion, irritability, and vicarious traumatization, focusing solely on taking care of my clients. While self-care is evidenced as one of the best ways to treat compassion fatigue, the concept wasn't introduced to me until a few years into my career following graduate school. Initially, I treated self-care like a reward instead of a necessity and a human right.

While I conducted one-on-one therapy sessions for years, I always felt a calling to reach more people. One of the best ways I can effect change at a systems level is by collaborating with organizations that employ helping professionals and leaders at risk for compassion fatigue and burnout. Having served at the direct line level, mid-level management, and now as an owner, I have a unique perspective on each role.

This journey has taught me the importance of prioritizing self-care and addressing compassion fatigue, which is crucial for sustaining a fulfilling and impactful career in the helping professions. It's driven me to help others recognize and combat compassion fatigue, so they can make a positive impact while serving from an overflowing well of compassion satisfaction.