The Relationship Between Compassion Fatigue and Self-Compassion Among Mental Health Counselors

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between compassion fatigue and self-compassion among mental health counselors from the perspective of Richardson’s resiliency theory. This research explored the relationship between compassion fatigue and self-compassion among licensed mental health counselors in New York State, using a quantitative, cross-sectional survey method. The sample was composed of 36 mental health counselors who were currently licensed and working in New York State. The instruments used were the Professional Quality of Life Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale, as well as a demographic questionnaire, which were all delivered electronically to potential participants. Overall, a significant negative relationship between self-compassion and compassion fatigue was identified. The data suggest that the counselors working in community agencies experienced more burnout than those working in private practice; those who saw more than 20 clients per week scored higher on the secondary traumatic stress and burnout scales, and those counselors who had less experience scored higher on the secondary traumatic stress and burnout scales than those with more experience. Recommendations include repeating the study with a larger sample and promoting self-compassion among practitioners