To Weep For A Stranger: Compassion Fatigue in Caregiving, Paperback

Compassion fatigue plagues caregivers worldwide. When providing care to others without incorporating authentic, sustainable self-care practices into our daily lives, destructive symptoms surface. Isolation, emotional outbursts, substance abuse and reoccurring nightmares are just a few of the symptoms that can distress the life of a caregiver. With awareness and knowledge, compassion fatigue can be recognized and managed. To Weep for a Stranger: Compassion Fatigue in Caregiving is the first step in learning more about this emotional and physical pain-filled syndrome and how to break free from the bonds that restrict compassionate, dedicated caregivers from living a happy, healthy life. Included in this book is the definition of compassion fatigue, its symptoms and causes, and standards of self-care. Also, you'll find information for those new to the helping professions and a special section for family caregivers.

Patricia Smith is the founder and CEO of the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project(c), the outreach division of Healthy Caregiving, LLC. As a certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist with 20 years of training experience, she writes, speaks and facilities workshops in service of those who care for others in all caregiving professions. Patricia has authored two training manuals, a presenter's guide and a student workbook, titled: Healthy Caregiving: A Guide to Recognizing and Managing Compassion Fatigue: Level 1. Her new book, To Weep for a Stranger: Compassion Fatigue in Caregiving, is a comprehensive look at compassion fatigue, its causes and symptoms, and how to begin the healing process. With a background in journalism, Patricia's writing has appeared in numerous publications, including the San Jose Mercury News where she was a freelance journalist for nearly 20 years.. As training and development manager for the Humane Society Silicon Valley, she created and implemented a critical shelter-wide compassion fatigue project. Her work in this field led to presenting workshops nationwide as a consultant for American Humane, a national organization advocating children and animal rights. Patricia is the recipient of the "Excellence in Writing Award," presented by the National League of American Pen Women. Under her direction, Ronald McDonald House at Stanford received the 2005 "Best Bets" award for its "Healing Arts" program. She was awarded the 2006 Telly Award for her script "Invaders of the National Parks," a documentary on invasive species created for the National Parks Service. Her clients have included the University of California, Santa Cruz; Dominican Hospital; O'Connor Hospital; Jacob's Heart; Hospice Caring Project; Indianapolis Animal Shelter; Veterinarian Oncologists; Ronald McDonald House at Stanford and the Health Projects Center, a State of California social services agency.