From a psychotherapeutic point of view, any somatic or movement type of counselling can be beneficial. Some examples are IBO, Somatic Transformation (ST), Somatic Experience (SE) or the Haikomi Method. The 5Rhythms movement psychotherapy that I practice integrates many of these. Also on a more activity/personal practice level, 5Rhythms movement classes can be very helpful and healing.

I agree that there are many more professions that are high risk for compassion fatigue, burnout or vicarious/secondary trauma. It can be a debilitating condition that affects realtionships, personal well-being and efficacy, mood, anxiety and can also promote addictions and other unhealthy “coping” or self-medicating behaviors.

I wish you well on your healing journey.

Jim Kragtwyk
M. Ed
Registered Clinical Counsellor

I believe that the attorney’s duty of confidentiality and horrid hours (and I would guess this applies to doctor’s too) further adds to the stress and isolation that are risk factors for burn-out. I’ve been looking for a healthy way to process the ugly stuff I see that does not involve either vicariously traumatizing someone else or divulging confidences. A lot of my colleagues exercise, but I have a chronic disease so exercise is painful. Mostly, I just read a lot of fiction and veg-out on t.v. concerning my own or similarly challenging professions. (I guess to combat the loneliness?) But it isn’t doing much for me.

Anyone have suggestions on how to “get help” or relieve stress in alternate, healthy ways?

Thanks,

T.M.