Transforming Compassion Fatigue

MisFit Magic

Transforming Compassion FatigueAntidotes to the Negative Side EffectsOf Being a Health Care WorkerWritten & Presented by Sharon M. Barnes, MSSW, LCSWCreative Transformation SpecialistAKA The Scrap LadyI can help you Create Beauty from Lifes Scrapswww.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com303-987-0346

2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

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Meet Sharon Barnes, LCSWAKA the Scrap Lady. When Life dumps a pile of . . . . . scraps on you, Pick them up . . . one by oneAnd make something with them! 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

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2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.comA BIG THANK YOU TO Colorado Activity Professionals Association

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Compassion Fatigue 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Have you ever been told that you care too much? Mr. Harris went to the doctor, and you can see here how much he likes being told that he cares too much. And, this one reminds me of when I feel uncomfortable thinking or talking about compassion fatigue when there are so many more important, urgent needs in the world. Does anybody here relate to this? 4

Transforming Compassion FatigueHeres what well cover today - What is Compassion Fatigue (CF)?The impact of CF on Health Care WorkersSeven Warning Signs of CFFour key activities to Transform CF How to use the tools of scientific invention to transform CFEffective Intervention & Prevention Strategies


But we are here to talk about Compassion Fatigue, and how it impacts us all as health care workers.

Heres what well cover today - Whats Compassion Fatigue?The impact of CF on Health Care WorkersSeven Warning Signs of Compassion Fatigue (CF)Four key activities to Transform CFHow to use the tools of scientific invention to transform CFEffective Intervention & Prevention Strategies

What ISCompassion Fatigue ? 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Secondary Traumatic Stress DisorderVicarious TraumatizationTrauma Exposure Response

How It shows itself:Gradual compassion

Its common inTrauma victimsTrauma workersHealth care workers

Psychological vs Medical Trauma


Psychological TraumaExposure to Life-threatening event or experienceVicarious = experienced through othersPatients with life-threatening illnessWatching or reading news or stories/shows

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Vicarious Traumatization (VT) 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

VT = Occupational Hazard for all health care workersVT has an inevitable effectOur empathy is a source of our vulnerability to VTVT effects are pervasive Brain structure & functionMemory systemIdentityWorld viewPsychological needs

Vicarious Traumatization 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Theres a Profound loss of the familiarpeople, dreams, Our innocence is gone anewOur body/mind/soul/spirit; nothing is ever the same

We confront the reality of these losses dailyWe confront the reality that these losses could happen to us and our loved ones

Vicarious Traumatization 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

There is a Cumulative transformative effect upon the person working with people in traumatic life events (McCann & Pearlman, 1990)

There is a transformation of the inner experience of the HCW that comes about as a result of our empathic engagement with the patients trauma experience.

Misconceptions 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

I didnt know any of this when I decided to become a health care worker. Did you? > Maybe this doctor didnt, either >handout page, Menu of Misconceptions. Do you identify with one of these misconceptions about being a caregiving professional: 1. I will fix the problemmake everything OK/better save the world2.I am responsible for outcomes.3.If I care enough, everything will be O.K.4. The sufferer/victim will appreciate everything I do for them.5.I will have enough resources (time, money, material, skills and training) to fix things.

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1. I will fix the problemmake everything OK/better save the world2.I am responsible for outcomes.3.If I care enough, everything will be O.K.4. The sufferer/victim will appreciate everything I do for them.5.I will have enough resources (time, money, material, skills and training) to fix things.

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6.Significant people in my life will support and approve my absence from our relationship while I invest in this compassionate mission.7.I know what Im getting into.8.I can do it alone.9.If Im (spiritual) (good) (???) enough, I can deal with the stress of working with suffering people.10. My definition of success is..

Id invite you to write down the first thing that popped into your head in response to this question.

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Contributing Factors To Compassion Fatigue 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Heres a failure in empathy. Im sure that no one here has this bad a case of compassion fatigue, but lets consider at least some of the factors that contribute to compassion fatigue: The situation (external factors)Nature of the work nature of the clientelecumulative exposure to trauma materialorganizational context social and cultural context

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Contributing Factors To Compassion Fatigue 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

The individual (internal factors)Personal historyPersonality, defensive & coping stylecurrent life context training and professional historypersonal growth including psychotherapy, spiritual direction, coaching and similar processes. Support sytems

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Whos Most Vulnerable to CF?CASIGYs! Whos a CASIGY?Creative, Curious, ComplexAcutely AwareSuper-SensitiveIntense, maybe Introverted, often Intelligent, sometimes GiftedYou?


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Warning Signs of Compassion FatigueFeeling helpless and hopelessFeeling like I can never do enoughHypervigilanceDiminished creativityOversimplification/Inability to embrace complexityMinimizingChronic exhaustion/physical aliments


Avoidance of painful situations/peopleInability to listenDissociative momentsSense of persecutionGuiltFearAnger and cynicismInability to empathize/numbingAddictionsGrandiosityWarning Signs of Compassion Fatigue 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Transforming Compassion Fatigue 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Antidotes to CF must address StressDemoralization

You must love your work or some aspect of itThis work is too difficult & personally demanding to do without passion or a sense of mission or purpose. Dont just ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and then go do it, because what the world needs is more people who have come alive. (Thurman)

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Address the Stress 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Self- Care (van der Kolk)TOP Stress Reliever = physical exerciseFoster a sense of personal controlWithin limits of realitySerenity PrayerPursue personally meaningful tasksMake healthy lifestyle choices caffeine, nicotine, sugar, alcoholvigorous exercise, deep relaxationSelf-NurturingEscapeBalancePatience Perspective

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Transform Demoralization 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

#2 Personal Strategy is to Transform Demoralization. What meaning did this work once hold for you?Where is demoralization present now?Identify the negative assumptions, beliefs & conclusions that have come as a result of your exposure to traumaChallenge & reframe these Infuse current activities with new meaningintentional awarenessrestore a spiritual perspective

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2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.comSomethings wrong with me

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Daunting Challenges = An Engraved InvitationTo The Heros or Heroines Journey 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Something . . . comes to our aid from the depths of our unconscious nature. It is the task of the conscious mind to understand these hints. If this does not happen, the process of individuation will nevertheless continue. The only difference is that we become its victims and are dragged along by fate towards that inescapable goal which we might have reached walking upright, if only we had taken the trouble and been patient enough to understand in time the meaning of [that which crosses] our path. -Carl Jung2016 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC. www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

6. What is the meaning or significance of this situation? 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

The Big PictureCultureDont thinkDont feelDont talkReligionCare for Neighbor Before Caring for SelfCulture of MedicineSelf-Care is TabooFocus on Objective over SubjectiveProlong life vs quality of lifeWhere & how people are dyingTransforming Compassion Fatigue 2016 Sharon M. Barnes, MSSW, LCSW

How to Transform CF 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com Care for Neighbor FirstWRONG! Care for Neighbor FirstLove Your Neighbor . AS YOURSELFYour ability to love your neighbor is limited by HOW YOU LOVE YOURSELF!SO LOVE YOURSELF FIRST

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Flight Attendants Secret FormulaPut on your own oxygen mask first .. BEFORE you help someone else 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

How To Transform Compassion Fatigue


Exploring New Territory Hands-on LearningThe significant problems we have, cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we developed them. We must learn to see the world anew Albert EinsteinCombinatory Play seems to be the essential feature in productive thought. Albert EinsteinWe need new images if we are to change. Images of other possibilities Pat AllenCreative Handwork = making something which represents our pain Sharon BarnesContemplative Handwork = connecting our outer and inner eyes, ears and heart while contemplating our creation Sharon Barnes 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Becoming Conscious



Daily Dynamite: Tune-iN-Tool

How do we transform CF?Our hands know what our frontal lobes do not and cannot. (Jung)The word center in the brain is separate from the meaning and the emotional centers in the brain. Learning styles. auditory learner/processor: Words speak to you more than to the other learning styles. Visual? To you, the saying doubly applies: A picture is worth a thousand words. Kinesthetic? You need your body to be involved 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

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Creative Exploration IMaking something with our hands that represents the challenges or dilemmas we face: Bridges mind and body and spiritBridges right and left brain/ uses the whole brainBridges conscious and conscious mindPromotes soulfulness and spiritualityHelps us learn beyond mere thinkingIs practice for exploration in new territory2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Creative Exploration IIBypasses the inner censor to access deeper awareness and higher creativityUtilizes Inductive ReasoningImproves problem-solving skillsIncreases imaginationImagination is more Important than facts/knowledge (Einstein)Does not require unusual artistic ability or creativity2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Creative Exploration IIICreating = High Level Learning (Bloom's Taxonomy)Ancient Wisdom-Chinese proverbTell me and I'll ForgetShow me and I'll rememberInvolve me and I'll understandFive Steps to Completion:2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

1. ConnectBody, Mind, Soul, Spirit, SelfHow?Get ride of distractionsGather materialsSet a timerGet comfortableRelax with Belly Breathing


2. IdentifyIdentify an effect of trauma in your life from the previous listWhat aspect of it comes up when your mind is in neutral- at stoplights, in the shower, when your brain has downtime? What sticks in your craw? If you had a Magic Wand, what one thing would you use it to do or change?Write it down; Set this aside


3. CreateThere is no right or wrong approach to usePay attention to what attracts you or jumps out at youPrepare with deep breathing & relaxationSee with third eye; listen with inner earProceed with action: make something that represents or symbolizes the image(s) or sound(s) that you perceiveYou are the judge of what and when is enough2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Create! 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Create:There is no right or wrong way to createThis does not require artistic skillThis is not about making art, it is about self-expression and self-discoveryYou may use or alter any item any way you wishPay attention to what attracts you or jumps out at youPrepare with deep breathing and relaxationProceed with action: make somethingYour deep Inner Self is the judge of what is good and what is enough

I invite you now to use your NON-DOMINANT HAND and draw something that pops into your head when you think of your most bothersome compassion fatigue warning sign.

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4. ContemplateStop, look & listen (again)What colors, shapes & textures do you see?Give it a voice: What does it say to you?Activate Your Imagination:Have an imaginary conversation with your creationFocus this conversation on the current dilemmaFollow the conversation (in your imagination) wherever it leads you


Contemplate 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

Contemplate

Look with the third eye, listen with the inner earWhat do you see? What colors, shapes, textures, etc.Give it a voice. What does it say to you?Activate your imaginationHave an imaginary conversation with your creationFocus it on your topic of choice, if you have oneFollow the conversation (in your imagination) wherever it leads you

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5. CrystallizeWhat does this demonstrate about What you need to Tune In, Tune Up & Take off?What you can do to help yourself and/or your employees, students or children balance their complexity, sensitivity & intensity?Whatever else came up for you?Make a record: write or draw what you have perceived.


Crystallize 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

CrystallizeMake a record: write, draw, record your voice or use some other medium Ask if anything needs to happen in the 'real' world as a result of this process. Do it. (Today just identify what it is, when & how you will start it. You may wish to continue this process later: return for additional creation, contemplation and crystallization.

Would anybody like to share what this process has been like for you?

These photos are examples of creating something beneficial and beautiful with Lifes Scraps.

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Thanks from ScrapLady Sharon When Life dumps a pile of scraps on you,Pick them up . . . one by oneAnd make something with them! 2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

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Resources UsedVan Dernoot Lipsky, Laura & Burk, Connie: Trauma StewardshipPearlman, Laurie Anne & Saakvitne, Karen: Transforming the Pain Pearlman, Laurie Anne & Saakvitne, Karen: Trauma and The TherapistMcCann,Lisa & Pearlman, Laurie: Psychological Trauma and the Adult Survivor; Theory, Therapy and TransformationHadamard, Jacques: The Psychology of Invention in the Mathematical FieldMcNiff, Shaun: Art as Medicine, Creating a Therapy of the ImaginationAllen, Pat: Art Is a Way of Knowing

2017 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC www.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.comThank you for participating! I look forward to connecting again soon! Sharon M. Barnes, MSSW, LCSWCreative Transformation SpecialistAKA The Scrap LadyHelping You Create Beauty from Lifes Scrapswww.TherapistForSensitiveAndGifted.com

303-987-0346

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CASIGY Toolbox: Daily TNT (Tune-iN Tool)

DAY

Whats happening? What/how am I feeling? (Body sensations and/or emotions)

1 1 2 3

1 2 3

2 1 2 3

1 2 3

3 1 2 3

1 2 3

4 1 2 3

1 2 3

5 1 2 3

1 2 3

6 1 2 3

1 2 3

7 1 2 3

1 2 3

Building Personal Power starts with self-awareness, which is also an important coping tool, especially for CASIGYs (Creative, Aware, Sensitive, Intense, Gifted You-s). One way to expand your self-awareness is to tune in to what is happening inside of you and to connect it to what is happening around you. Becoming strong on the inside starts with small (sometimes boring) skill-building tasks, like sit-ups or push-ups with physical exercise, or practicing scales with

music. As you use it consistently, this Daily TNT can help you strengthen and expand your inner strength & resilience.

I recommend developing a habit of taking five to ten minutes daily to reflect on the last 24 hours. Ask yourself, Whats been happening? and How am I feeling? and write down the two or three most salient things that occur to you. Writing this down allows you to make it concrete and tangible. It becomes more real, which can be intimidating but is in the end, both freeing & empowering. Writing it down can help you release what you dont want as well as give you more access to it for identifying patterns and making positive changes; even more reasons I recommend doing it.

Questions?Comments? Email me: [email protected] Phone me: (USA) 303-987-0346

Skype: scrap-lady-sharon.m.barnes 2007-2015 Sharon M. Barnes, LCSW, PLLC

http://therapistforsensitiveandgifted.com/casigy/mailto:[email protected]

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Healthcare

Transforming Compassion Fatigue