NCJ Number
156237
Editor(s)
C R Figley
Date Published
1995
Length
278 pages
Annotation
Treating secondary traumatic stress disorder is discussed.
Abstract
This volume consists of chapters contributed by specialists in the field of treating those individuals who provide therapy to victims of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)--crisis and trauma counselors, Red Cross workers, nurses, doctors, and other caregivers. These therapists often become victim to secondary traumatic stress disorder or compassion fatigue as a result of helping or wanting to help a traumatized person. The purposes of this book are to: introduce the concept of compassion fatigue as a natural and disruptive by-product of working with traumatized and troubled clients; provide a theoretical basis for the assessment and treatment of compassion stress and compassion fatigue; explain the difference between compassion fatigue and PTSD, burnout, and countertransference; identify innovative methods for treating compassion fatigue in therapists; and suggest methods for preventing compassion fatigue. References are provided at the end of each chapter. Name and subject indexes are included.