FSW 159 - Cultivating Compassion as a Resource in Difficult Work

Course Description

Clinicians who work with people experiencing loss and grief are often defined by their compassionate nature and ability to care for others in incredibly difficult situations. The ability to sustain this compassionate stance begins with self-compassion. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the cultivation of compassion-based practices as a buffer to fatigue and burnout that can be readily experienced when working with vulnerable individuals in organizational settings. Participants will be invited to engage in interactive/experiential practices designed to cultivate a greater sense of compassion for themselves and those in their care.

This workshop will be focused on individuals who work in a therapeutic/helper capacity with others, such as social workers, therapists, health care workers, clergy, and volunteers.

Course Details

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to: 

1. Identify how losses at the personal, professional, and organizational levels affect the ability to provide care.
2. Describe the components of compassion and how they relate to professional practice and personal perspectives.
3. Engage in practices that help to cultivate compassion as a form of professional competence.
4. Explore ways that compassion-based practices can be implemented in clinical care settings with clients and their families.