Amanda Rocheleau, RSW

Amanda Rocheleau, Registered Social Worker and Compassion Fatigue Specialist, reflecting on professional grief and the emotional impact of caring for others in healthcare, social work, and helping professions.

Burnout isn’t a personal failure. It’s a signal that your system has been overloaded for too long, and you need support to recover. Therapy can be a powerful part of that healing process.

If you’re a helper, chances are you’ve already heard of secondary traumatic stress (STS). It’s what happens when we take in the suffering of others so deeply that our own minds and bodies begin to show signs of stress. Traditionally, this concept was applied to those in direct helping roles like therapists, nurses, social workers, and first responders. But let’s be honest, in today’s world, none of us are immune. Between globalization, the 24-hour news cycle, and social media - trauma...