SWP 341 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Compassion Fatigue, Self-Awareness

• School: Ryerson University
• Department: Social Work
• Course: SWP 341
• Professor: Charlotte Akuoko-Barfi

Document Summary

Working with trauma: trauma exposure and the social work practices, study of sw students exposed to trauma in their field placements, mechanisms to assist students witnessing trauma in the field. Ranges of trauma: the type of trauma experienced through our practice is secondary trauma, secondary trauma is the emotional duress experienced by people after having close contact with a trauma survivor. Compassion fatigue: reflects a physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion that overtakes helpers and cases a decline in their ability to feel and care for others. Burnout: defensive response to prolonged occupational exposure to demanding interpersonal situations that produce psychological strain and provide inadequate support. Reflective questions: what are three warning signs of getting overloaded, physical, behavioural, emotional. Self awareness and triggers: knowing your triggers, knowing what will affect your work with service users. Tips for this course: stay on top of your readings, know when your assignments are due.