Vicarious Trauma & Compassion Fatigue: What Every Therapist Needs to Know (Best Of)

Original Air Date: May 3, 2020

The word compassion means ‘to suffer with’ or merge with. This is different than empathy." – Lisa Dion

As play therapists, we hold so much. And often, we don’t realize how deeply the work impacts us—especially when we’re navigating crises both personally and professionally.

In this essential episode, Lisa explores the nuanced differences between vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue—experiences that are far more common in the field than we may recognize. She also reflects on what happens when therapists are living through the same crises as their clients (as many did during the COVID-19 pandemic), and how that overlap can amplify the emotional toll.

This is a deeply important conversation that shines a compassionate light on the realities of holding space for others—without losing ourselves in the process.

🎧 If you’re a play therapist, caregiver, or anyone who supports others through pain, this one is for you.