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Compassion fatigue can sometimes be confused with burn-
out. While the treatment and identification can be simi-
lar, the diagnostic definition is quite different. Burnout is
emotional or physical collapse related to overwork or stressful
conditions. It is progressive and foreseeable, and it can be
generally alleviated by a vacation or changes in job functions.
One of the main causes of burnout is being out of sync with
your ministry or practice. Six areas have been identified that
a ministry or practice can be out of sync: workload, control,
reward, fairness, community, and values. In contrast, compas-
sion fatigue is a prolonged state of stress and fixation with the
trauma of a client. When the caregiver tends to care more for
a client rather than exercising self-care, destructive behaviors
can emerge, such as indulging in the feeling of constantly giv-
ing without a return.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NIV) states, “What has been will be again,
what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new
under the sun.” Therefore, we must understand that while
we have labeled this syndrome as compassion fatigue, these
feelings are not only new – the nomenclature has been al-
tered. As Christian counselors it is imperative that we use the
Bible as our road map in dealing with the spiritual causes of
compassion fatigue. I believe that the underlying condition
of the counselor is the preeminent factor in determining how
susceptible one is to this syndrome. It is the stability of coun-
selors’ emotional and spiritual health that will enable them to
develop a higher level of defense against compassion fatigue.
Below are some of the spiritual roots of compassion fatigue:
Self-Love
Mark 12:31(NIV) states, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Self-love is the initial antidote against compassion fatigue and
the consensus of the psychiatric community is that ignoring
self-care is a critical factor in the development of compas-
sion fatigue. Carl Rogers, a prominent figure in the history
of counseling stated, “I have always been better at caring for
and looking after others than I have in caring for myself.” You
cannot effectively care for anyone if you don’t care for your
greatest asset: YOU.
Dealing with your own personal root issues
No one is exempt from human pain and suffering, and
sometimes the counselor may need a counselor. According
to psychotherapist Alison Barr, “73.9% of counselors and
psychotherapists have experienced one or more wounding ex-
periences leading to career choice.” Due to the nature of our
profession, counseling others can make us consciously aware
of our personal wounds which can make us more vulnerable
to countertransference.
Therefore, our inability to deal with our own personal
root issues skews our perception and can rob our patients
of an authentic experience. Root issues of bitterness, grief,
anger, rejection or abuse, can be intricate and can intertwine
themselves around every aspect of our lives. Root issues lie
just beneath the surface, and we spend enormous amounts of
money, energy, and time dealing with the fruit that will only
continue to grow if the roots are not destroyed. Jesus said in
Luke 3:9, “Even now the axe is laid to the root of the tree.”
Anything ignored is given permission to grow. You can pull
weeds all day long, but until you dig up the roots, your yard
will be covered with weeds again in a matter of weeks. The
root systems in plants are intricately designed to make sure
the plant lives, grows, and thrives. God wants us to prosper
as our souls prosper and the prosperity of the soul determines
the longevity, effectiveness, and magnitude with which we
maximize our lives and the lives of others.
Ignoring the role of the Holy Spirit
John 14:26 refers to the Holy Spirit as an advocate, coun-
selor and comforter. It is imperative to remember that we are
working with the Holy Spirit – He is not working with us.
As the primary counselor, He will make available to us the
information we need in order to make the counseling effec-
tive. One Christian counselor quoted, “It’s amazing to me
how the Holy Spirit always reveals to me more and gives me
the breakthrough information I need.” This is so important
because the patient may not be aware of this information or
perhaps is unable to articulate it. Effective counseling cannot
be done apart from God moving in our lives. God’s work is
to regenerate and empower lives.
Spiritual fatigue
The Bible states, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew
their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will
run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”
(Isaiah 40:31). Spiritual fatigue is a sign that not only your
body is tired but your soul is as well. God rested on the
seventh day, and Jesus constantly demonstrated a need to pull
away from the crowd. You can only do what you are humanly
capable of doing, therefore, a good practical tip is to leave the
office after eight hours and schedule regular vacation times.
Regrouping, refreshing, and replenishing are keys to an ef-
fective practice and tools to utilize in bringing our lives back
into balance. If we remember that the ministry belongs to
God, we are assured that He can effectively manage it in our
absence. If we think it belongs to us then we are under the
assumption that there is no room for us to leave or everything
is going to fall apart. Make reconnecting with your family
and friends a priority in your schedule. Fully enjoy the life
that you have been given!
Yvonne Denise Camper, M.A. is a published
author and President and CEO of Between
the Porch and the Altar Ministries. Yvonne’s
passion is for the leaders who have fallen
and need support getting back up.