Cultivating Self-Compassion to Prevent Vicarious Trauma and Burnout in Mental Health Professionals
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Authors
Tiwana, Saveena
Issue Date
2025-07-30
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
self-compassion , counselling , vicarious trauma , burnout
Alternative Title
Abstract
Mental health professionals are consistently exposed to narratives of trauma and suffering through their clients. This increases their vulnerability to vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout. This capstone explores the role of self-compassion as a protective factor in preventing vicarious trauma and burnout in the mental health field. Literature highlights that self-compassion is an evidence-based strategy that can be used to counteract the emotional labor that professionals engage in. It further reduces emotional exhaustion, improves coping, and supports professional sustainability. Implications for practice include incorporating self-compassion into education, supervision, and workplaces. Self-compassion can enhance professional well-being and strengthen client care.