Vicarious Trauma and Self-Compassion for Frontline Workers

People who work alongside others in distress carry something of that distress with them. Over time, repeated exposure to trauma, grief and hardship can quietly shape how we feel, think and relate — a process known as vicarious trauma. It is not a sign of weakness or of doing the work badly. It is a natural, human response to consistently caring about people who are hurting. This course holds two ideas together. The first is awareness: understanding what vicarious trauma, burnout and compassion fatigue are, how they show up, and why frontline workers are particularly exposed. The second is self-compassion: a practical, evidence-informed way of relating to ourselves that protects our well-being and helps us stay in this work for the long term. Throughout, the message is the same, your wellbeing matters, and caring for it is part of doing the work well, not a distraction from it