Compassion Fatigue: Case Study

Counseling Assessment
Leiteshia Carter
Walden University

The writer will summarize the results of the compassion fatigue test. As it relates to this self-assessment the writer will explain what was learned about vicarious trauma. In addition, the writer write describe strategies to combat vicarious trauma, noting why the writer selected each strategy.
Compassion Fatigue Test
According to Newell & MacNeil compassion fatigue is a combination of symptoms consisting of secondary trauma and burnout. The scores from the compassion fatigue test reveals the potential for compassion satisfaction, risk for burnout or risk for compassion fatigue. The test revealed compassion satisfaction for the writer meaning that I find pleasure
The average score for burnout is 22, I scored below the average of 18 with 14, which reflects the positive feelings about my ability to be an effective worker. On the risk scale for vicarious trauma the average score is 13, I fall below the average score with 10. This reveals low risk for exposure to secondary to extremely stressful events. As a result of the discussion this week and completing the self-awareness assessment, I am more aware of the implications of vicarious trauma. I have a greater understanding that vicarious trauma impacts a helping professional both personally and professionally. Professionally, vicarious trauma has a negative effect on the counseling relationship that can manifest as countertransference (James & Gilliland, 2013). James & Gilliland (2013) further noted that if the countertransference is not appropriately dealt with, the counselor ends up with guilty feelings compounding the therapeutic relationship with the client, which may lead to burnout for the helping professional. Another area of awareness is recognizing stress and stressful situations and how I care for myself when those situations arise. It is important to have awareness of preventive measures individually and professionally (Newell & MacNeil,
According to Trippany, White Kress & Wilcoxon (2004) the impact of vicarious trauma can decrease when counselors maintain a balance of work, play and rest. Personally, I live by this motto, I believe in leaving work at work, I rarely ever bring work home. I exercise daily, which relieves stress for me and I take a vacation out of the country each year, I use this trip to refresh and relax, outside of taking in lots of sun and swimming in the ocean, each day is a blank page. In addition, about every 45 days, I treat myself to a full body massage as another technique to alleviate stress, the less stress the less likely I will experience burnout, compassion fatigue or vicarious trauma. Being connected spiritually to a higher power can also combat the effects of VT. Trippany et al. (2004) noted that counselors with a larger sense of meaning and connection are less likely to experience vicarious trauma. The final strategy, I will use is the knowledge and understanding of self. This awareness will help in protecting one’s self, ensuring that I put the appropriate coping and spiritual mechanism in place when dealing with stressful events and situations. Connecting to one’s spiritual sense can alleviate the of impact vicarious trauma (Trippany et al., 2004). Personally, I believe when you are in tune with yourself and have an awareness of what affects you, you give yourself the best chance to operate