Trainings

Compassion Fatigue, Secondary and Vicarious Trauma Workshop

A Path to Resiliency for Professionals Exposed to Trauma
Visual depicting emotional exhaustion and resilience-building in caregivers

Instructor

Ian Robertson, MSW, RSW

Format

Online or In Person

Duration

2 Days

Training Overview

This workshop equips professionals with tools to recognize, prevent, and address Compassion Fatigue (CF), Secondary Trauma (STS), and Vicarious Trauma (VT). Workers frequently exposed to traumatic events and human suffering are at high risk of these effects, which impact their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Over three modules, participants will explore signs, symptoms, and theoretical frameworks while building resilience through practical coping strategies and self-assessment tools.

Who Is It For?

This workshop is ideal for:

Mental health & addictions professionals

Social workers and counsellors

Medical professionals and first responders
Educators and frontline workers exposed to trauma
Caregivers and support staff in high-stress environments

What Will You Learn?

1

Week One: Understanding Primary and Secondary Stress Injuries

Primary and Secondary Stress Injuries
The emotional, mental, and physical impact of traumatic exposure
Signs and symptoms of Compassion Fatigue, Secondary Trauma, and Vicarious Trauma
Shared trauma and the dual-edged sword of empathy
Typologies of empathic strains and their role in resilience

2

Week Two: Transference, Countertransference, and Standards of Care

Transference and Countertransference effects of CF, STS, and VT
Theoretical perspectives: Classical and Totalistic approaches
Trauma exposure and its projection onto clinicians
Standards of Self-Care (Green Cross Guidelines)

3

Week Three: Self-Assessment and Resiliency Planning

Accelerated Recovery Program (ARP)

In depth self-assessments and personalized recovery planning tools, including:

  • Social Readjustment Rating Scale
  • Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL)
  • Resilience and coping strategy assessments
Setting SMART goals for personal and professional resilience

How to Register

Interested in learning more about the Compassion Fatigue, Secondary and Vicarious Trauma Workshop?

Fill out the form below to connect with our team and receive additional information about the workshop, including scheduling and customization options.

6150 Valley Way Suite #108 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 1X9

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this training suitable for individuals new to the field?
Yes, the workshop is designed to accommodate both beginners and experienced professionals, providing foundational knowledge and practical strategies.
Are self-assessments included in the training?
Yes, participants will complete multiple self-assessments and tools to evaluate their stress, resilience, and coping mechanisms.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
Yes, participants will receive a certificate after successfully completing all modules and quizzes.