Beyond Compassion Fatigue: Make Your Passion for Helping Animals Sustainable!

On today's show, we talk with Kelly Bremken, a veterinary social worker from Oregon Humane Society. Kelly sheds light on: What is a veterinary social worker and what her role looks like day to day. How veterinary social work is similar to and different from traditional social work. How veterinary social workers can support staff and volunteers with managing compassion fatigue, trauma, grief, or burnout. How Kelly personally maintains healthy boundaries and manages her own compassion fatigue in such an emotionally demanding role. How does the Oregon Humane Society prioritizes mental health and wellness for its staff and volunteers. Where can veterinary social workers be utilized? What organizations can do to promote employee wellness--with or without the help of a veterinary social worker. Resources mentioned: To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior Kelly Grace/Second Growth Jessica Dolce’s Compassion in Balance Program International Association of Veterinary Social Work University of Tennessee Center for Veterinary Social Work Oregon Humane Society Free resources: https://www.beyondcompassionfatigue.com

In this episode, I talk with Jo-Anne Barklay of Running Rabbit Farm to explore the often-overlooked emotional toll of rabbit rescue. While most people associate animal rescue with dogs and cats, rescuing bunnies comes with its own unique heartbreaks—and rewards. Jo-Anne shares what inspired her to dedicate her life to rabbit rescue, the kinds of emotional challenges rescuers face after Easter and beyond, and how public misconceptions about rabbits as pets add to the stress. She opens up about her own experiences with compassion fatigue, what it looked like for her, and the ways she’s learned to cope and stay grounded in the work. We also talk about: The grief, trauma, and burnout bunny rescuers silently carry What triggers compassion fatigue in this field Coping tools and the importance of compassion satisfaction How community support makes a difference What needs to change—both within rescue and in public attitudes Jo-Anne closes with a story of two special rabbits that remind her why this hard work is worth it. Resources mentioned: Learn more about Running Rabbit Farm: http://www.runningrabbitfarm.com/ Follow Running Rabbit Farm on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066523036081 Get in touch with Jo-Anne: [email protected] Get free compassion fatigue resources here: https://www.beyondcompassionfatigue.com/

In this solo episode, we’re diving deep into a topic that touches nearly everyone working or volunteering in animal care, welfare, and activism: trauma. More specifically, we explore the difference between Big T trauma (major, acute, often life-threatening events) and little t trauma (chronic, cumulative stressors that wear you down over time)—and why both deserve serious attention. Whether you’re on the front lines of rescue, working behind the scenes in advocacy, or supporting animals through veterinary, shelter, or sanctuary work, this episode will help you recognize how trauma might be affecting you—and what you can do about it. In this episode, you'll learn: The origins of Big T and little t trauma in psychological research How trauma manifests in animal-related roles—whether you're a shelter worker, vet tech, activist, or wildlife rehabber The link between cumulative trauma and Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) Common physical, emotional, behavioral, and relational signs of trauma Why we need to stop comparing or minimizing our pain The power of self-compassionate language in trauma recovery Simple but effective strategies to support your nervous system Restorative practices and trauma-informed leadership tips Reflective questions to guide your own healing journey For free resources on managing compassion fatigue, check out https://www.beyondcompassionfatigue.com/

In this episode, we’re joined by Hermence Matsotsa, the Founder of uBuntuSpeaks®, a global leadership coach, Positive Intelligence expert, and speaker who helps us understand the importance of psychological safety—what it really means, why it matters, and how it can transform workplaces that are emotionally intense and trauma-exposed. Whether you work or volunteer in animal rescue, animal care and control, veterinary care, or any other type of animal advocacy, creating a culture of safety and trust isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a must. We explore: What is psychological safety, and why it’s essential in both the workplace as well as within the animal care, welfare, and activism fields. Why psychological safety is especially vital in trauma-exposed and emotionally intense fields like animal welfare. The red flags that signal a psychologically unsafe work environment Who is responsible for creating psychological safety—leaders, teams, or everyone? Day-to-day practices that promote trust, openness, and emotional well-being The important link between psychological safety and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) Resources mentioned: Hermence’s socials: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/uBuntuSpeaksLLC/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/uBuntuSpeaks_Hermence/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmubuntuworkforce/ Hermence’s contact info: Phone: 202.421.9184 Email: [email protected]

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to turn for support? You’re not alone—and today’s episode is here to help. In this episode of Beyond Compassion Fatigue, I break down one of the most common questions I'm asked: What’s the difference between therapy and coaching—and which one is right for me? Whether you’ve tried therapy and still feel stuck, or you're just starting to explore your options for support, this episode offers clarity, guidance, and hope. In this episode, you’ll learn: The key differences between therapy and coaching How to determine which approach best fits your current needs Why some people benefit from both therapy and coaching What group coaching offers that 1:1 support doesn’t A sneak peek into my nine-week Group Coaching Program for Compassion Fatigue Learn more about the Group Coaching Program here!

Happy National Boundaries Awareness Day! On today's episode, we'll explore: What are boundaries and why they're important in animal care, welfare, and activism Soft, rigid, and healthy boundaries How boundaries can impact your personal and professional lives How different boundaries might show up in your work with animals Time, emotional, mental, communication, physical, energy, and professional boundaries Practical strategies to set and maintain healthy boundaries and protect your mental health Grab your boundaries affirmations and other free resources at https://www.beyondcompassionfatigue.com/

In today's episode, we explore the different types of trauma that can be common in animal care, welfare, and activism. We'll learn about: What is trauma? Why trauma is actually subjective Primary and secondary trauma Secondary traumatic stress Symptoms of trauma How trauma contributes to compassion fatigue Collective trauma Perpetration Induced Traumatic Stress Acute and chronic trauma Acute stress reaction Grab your free resources! https://www.beyondcompassionfatigue.com/

Today I talk with Val Ellsworth, the founder of Nothing But Love Canine Foundation to explore the mental health impact of working in animal rescue and the importance of peer support. We explore Her journey into animal welfare work Early signs that her mental health was suffering Why isolation is so common—and dangerous—in this field The life-changing power of peer support and safe spaces Letting go of guilt and embracing self-care Boundaries and practices that protect emotional well-being How to begin building a personal or professional support network Resources mentioned: Compassion Fatigue Group Coaching Program Nothing But Love Canine Foundation: Website Facebook Instagram Amazon Wish List Chewy Wish List

In this episode of Beyond Compassion Fatigue, we dive deep into the topic of disenfranchised grief—the kind of grief that often goes unrecognized and unsupported by society. We'll explores how disenfranchised grief manifests in the world of animal care, welfare, and activism. Whether it's mourning a euthanized shelter pet, grieving a wild animal lost to environmental destruction, or feeling heartbroken over animals you've never even met, this episode validates and honors those deeply personal and often invisible losses. If you've ever been told, “It was just a dog,” or “You chose this work,” this episode is for you. Topics covered include: What disenfranchised grief is and why it’s so common in animal welfare and activism Why society struggles to recognize or support this kind of grief Common examples of disenfranchised grief in the animal care field How unacknowledged grief can contribute to compassion fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and even PTSD The importance of acknowledging and processing grief—even when the world doesn’t understand Practical ways to cope and honor your grief through healthy outlets and support Resources mentioned: Compassion Fatigue Group Coaching Program To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior Grab your free resources at https://www.beyondcompassionfatigue.com/ Share your starfish tattoo with me! [email protected]

Compassion fatigue doesn't just affect individuals—it can infiltrate entire teams, departments, and organizations. In this episode, I'm joined by the author of The Compassion Fatigued Organization to explore what happens when secondary trauma and chronic stress become embedded in the culture of animal care, welfare, and activism. We dive into what organizational compassion fatigue really means, how it shows up in workplace systems, and what leaders—as well as staff and volunteers—can do to shift from burnout to resilience. In this episode, we discuss: What organizational compassion fatigue is and how it can show up. Why cultivating a culture of compassion goes far beyond encouraging individual self-care. What it means to be a trauma-informed organization and how leadership can lead the way. How trauma reenactments and stress responses (fight, flight, freeze) ripple through teams and shape workplace culture. The current cultural "war on empathy" and how to protect and nurture empathy in your team. The evolving role of self-care: why it’s important not just for staff and volunteers, but for the organization as a whole Whether you’re a team lead, frontline worker, or volunteer, this episode will help you better understand the systemic nature of compassion fatigue and offer concrete tools to begin healing from the inside out. Resources mentioned: https://resiliencyonline.com/ The Compassion Fatigued Organization The Compassion Fatigue Workbook

In this episode, we explore the cyclical nature of compassion fatigue, examining how it can trap animal welfare workers and caregivers in a pattern of chronic stress and emotional depletion. We contrast the pathology cycle—marked by overextension, denial, and eventual burnout—with the renewal cycle, which emphasizes boundaries, self-awareness, recovery, and sustainability. Listeners are invited to reflect on where they fall within the cycle and are offered insights and tools to help shift from a state of suffering to one of healing and resilience.

In this episode, we explore the zombie phase of the compassion fatigue cycle—when emotional numbness, detachment, and exhaustion become the norm. You may feel like you’re moving through your days on autopilot, disconnected from your passion, purpose, and even your own emotions. We break down the key signs of the zombie phase, why it’s so dangerous for animal advocates, and how to begin reconnecting with yourself and your mission.

In this special bonus episode of Beyond Compassion Fatigue, we pause our series on the phases of the compassion fatigue cycle to address a heartbreaking loss in the animal welfare community. Yesterday, we lost another dedicated animal advocate to suicide—someone who gave so much of herself to the cause, only to be met with relentless bullying, online cruelty, and a lack of support from the very community she was a part of. This episode is dedicated to her, and to all the advocates we’ve lost along the way. We need to talk about suicide in animal care, welfare, and activism. In this episode, we explore: The harsh realities of working in animal care, welfare, and activism The cumulative impact of trauma and grief The toxic culture of public shaming and online harassment--even within our own community Signs that someone might be struggling with suicidal thoughts How to support yourself and others who may be in crisis The myth that asking about suicide “plants the idea” in someone’s head What leadership can do to foster safer, more compassionate workplaces This isn’t an easy conversation—but it’s a necessary one. If we want to build a more compassionate world, it has to start with how we treat each other. Resources mentioned: U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988 or chat here. International Suicide Crisis Lines Not One More Vet Suicide Prevention Safety Plan and other downloadable worksheets available here: animalwelfarewellness.com/free-resources

In this episode, we dive into the withdrawal phase of the compassion fatigue cycle—when emotional numbing, isolation, and detachment begin to take hold. We explore why those in animal care, welfare, and activism start pulling away from loved ones, work, and the causes they care about, and how this phase signals deeper emotional exhaustion. Tune in for insights on recognizing withdrawal patterns, reconnecting with your purpose, and applying practical self-care strategies to rebuild resilience. Grab your free resources at https://beyondcompassionfatigue.com.

In this episode, we explore the irritability phase of the compassion fatigue cycle—when stress, emotional exhaustion, and frustration start affecting relationships and daily life of anyone working in animal care, welfare, or activism. Learn to recognize early warning signs, understand the emotional toll of caregiving and advocacy, and discover practical self-care strategies to prevent burnout. To grab your free resources, go to www.beyondcompassionfatigue.com.

In this episode, we explore the zealot phase of the compassion fatigue cycle—the stage marked by intense enthusiasm, over commitment, and a relentless drive to help. While passion fuels purpose, it can also set the stage for exhaustion and burnout if left unchecked. We break down the signs of the zealot phase, why it’s so common among animal advocates and caregivers, and how to balance dedication with boundaries and self-care.

In this first episode, we unpack the core concept of compassion fatigue—what it is, how it differs from burnout, and why it’s so common in caregiving and helping professions. We explore the emotional and physical toll of caring deeply, the warning signs to watch for, and how compassion fatigue affects those in animal care, welfare, and activism. Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode lays the foundation for recognizing compassion fatigue and beginning the journey toward resilience and healing.

If you're looking to make your passion for helping animals sustainable, this podcast is for you! Beyond Compassion Fatigue focuses on managing compassion fatigue, burnout, grief, and secondary traumatic stress among those who work or volunteer in animal care, welfare, or activism. Hosted by Jen Blough, licensed professional counselor, author (To Save a Starfish), animal activist, and former shelter worker and animal control officer. Featuring solo and guest episodes.