Wellness Strategies for the Helping

Professional (1 day)

Experiencing compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma or burnout is, unfortunately, a common occurrence among caregivers. In this workshop, participants will identify the causes, signs and symptoms of stress and also measure their own current level of stress and burnout. Several techniques and interventions to decrease stress will also be demonstrated, practiced and discussed. It is extremely important for caregivers to remember to take care of themselves in order to best serve their clients; this workshop will assist participants in strengthening their own self-care awareness.

Workshop Outline

Why Things go Wrong
Potential Phases of Stress
Symptoms Through Phases
Variables in Being Able to Manage Distress
Stress and Burnout Test for Caregivers
What's Happening with You
Life Stressors
Life Satisfaction
Elements of Changing Negative Situations
Seven Steps in Problem Solving
Tips for Self-Care
Things that Matter - Things we Forget
Creating Balance
Making Plans & Setting Goals
Personal Care Plan
When Stress Becomes Serious
Inhibitors & Enablers

Target Audience

This is an introductory level workshop intended for social service and health care professionals, teachers, social workers, youth care workers and anyone who identifies as a caregiver.

Method of Instruction

Lecture, group activities, personal reflection and small group discussion