A Qualitative Study on Burnout and Compassion Fatigue among Counselors and Therapists

Abstract

Therapists and counselors are at high risk of developing secondary trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue. Continuous exposure to the trauma and pain of patients can have a negative impact on the wellbeing of therapists. Burnout is a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion brought on by accumulated stress. Compassion fatigue is a condition in which someone becomes numb to the suffering of others and is unable or less able to display empathy towards them. The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon that should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life. Burnout is included in the International Classification of Diseases 11 as an occupational phenomenon resulting from unmanaged, chronic workplace stress. Professional burnout is a multidimensional condition that includes exhaustion, detachment, and professional efficiency (Maslach burnout inventory). When counselors and therapists experience burnout, their patients are also negatively affected. Understanding the extent and incidence of burnout and compassion fatigue among therapists and counselors is the study's principal goal. A qualitative method-based study including therapists and counselors based in Bangalore, India. Detailed, semi-structured face-to-face (online) interviews were conducted through open ended questions with the help of an interview guide based on social situation, economic situation, and personal characteristics. A thematic analysis was undertaken. The majority of them explained difficulties faced in compartmentalizing work and personal life in the initial years of work, economic and family responsibilities associated with burnout, empathizing with clients more due to similar personal experiences, increased workload, and the Jesus complex. Keywords: burnout, compassion fatigue, counselor, therapists, exhaustion