COVID-19 Pandemic Compassion Fatigue: Self-care Tips for Mental Health Professionals and Caregivers (Without CE’s) Tuesday, May 25, 2021

COVID–19 Pandemic Compassion Fatigue: Self-care Tips for Mental Health Professionals and Caregivers 

Tuesday, May 25, 2021     

6:00 – 7:00 PM ET    

 Abstract 

This past year was one like never before. The COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns, racial tensions and trauma, rioting and violence, the contested election, the rush for and distribution of a vaccine, impeachment proceedings, the Capitol breach, the transition to a new administration, and more were all at the forefront of Americans and those around the world. People everywhere are exhausted, frustrated, and emotionally drained. Additionally, 2021 has brought its own set of unique challenges. Most would agree that before the pandemic, we were already experiencing a mental health crisis; now, we are in the middle of a mental health disaster! The burden of care has increased exponentially, and the weight of it all is taking a toll on frontline caregivers, including mental health providers, pastors, and ministry leaders. Compassion fatigue and burnout are common and rising among those serving. Now is the time to address and give special attention to developing solid frontline personal and professional care for the road ahead. 

Learning Objectives 

Participants will: 

1. Identify the symptoms of burnout and compassion fatigue and how they may be affecting your work 
2. Describe how compassion fatigue may be affecting your physical, social, and spiritual health 
3. Utilize small changes that will bring about the most relief 
4. Develop a healthy mindset and boundaries around work and care 
5. Manage symptoms through evaluating and engaging in self-care activities that work the best for the individual 

Moderators 

Tim Clinton, Ed.D. and Ron Hawkins, D.Min., Ed.D. 

Panelists 

Michael Lyles, M.D., is a graduate of the University of Michigan Six Year Premedical Medical Program. He completed his psychiatric residency and APA/NIMH Minority Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center, where he was the recipient of the North Carolina Neuropsychiatric Association Resident of the Year Award. Dr. Lyles was an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Director of Outpatient Services at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He moved to Atlanta in 1986 to enter private practice and has served as the medical director of a partial hospitalization program, outpatient chemical dependency program, and inpatient psychiatric units at three different facilities. Dr. Lyles has worked in the private sector in a community mental health center, state psychiatric hospital, and county, state, and federal prisons. He is committed to raising the standard of care in the community by teaching gatekeepers, such as clergy and primary care doctors, along with lay groups. Additionally, Dr. Lyles is a consultant to various community groups ranging from religious organizations to Internet sites to professional athletics such as the Atlanta Hawks. He is board–certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. His primary areas of clinical activity are mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and ADHD. Dr. Lyles has issued more than 60 publications and videos and serves on several pharmaceutical companies’ speaking and advisory boards. 

Gary Oliver, Ph.D., is a husband, father, university and seminary professor, psychologist, author, and Professor of Psychology and Practical Theology at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He is a licensed clinical psychologist in both Arkansas and Colorado. Dr. Oliver is a Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). He has earned the Certified Family Life Educator (C.F.L.E.) diploma by The National Council on Family Relations. Dr. Oliver has more than 40 years of experience in individual, premarital, marital, and family counseling. For several years, he worked as a senior psychologist with a group of family practice physicians. Also, for more than 12 years, he was Clinical Director of a large non-profit counseling center in Littleton, Colorado. For the past 20 years, Dr. Oliver has had an extensive nationwide teaching ministry. He has founded, developed, and directed several counseling centers and serves on the Executive Board and the national speaking team of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Dr. Oliver is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for Marriage Partnership magazine. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Today’s Family. 

Sharon May, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of the Safe Haven Relationship Counseling Center. She earned a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy and a master’s degree in Theology from Fuller Graduate School of Theology and is a certified EFT therapist and supervisor. Her dissertation and consequent research work have focused on EFT, attachment theory, and the importance of healthy and strong marriage and family relationships being “safe havens.” Over the years, Dr. May has been featured on radio programs such as “Arguing with Dr. Sharon,” Focus on the Family, and Family Talk, as well as television such as Life Today. Dr. May has published numerous articles in psychological journals and contributed chapters in marriage and family books. Her two books are titled: Safe Haven Marriage and How to Argue So Your Spouse Will Listen (Thomas Nelson Publishing). She is a blog contributor for Family Talk, is on the AACC Executive Board, and is an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University. Dr. May has traveled worldwide to speak at conferences and train counselors. Raised in South Africa, her accent and sense of humor make her an engaging speaker. She shares life and work with her husband, Mike. 

Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A., is a professional counselor, life coach, crisis response trainer, author, and speaker. She speaks extensively and provides training, counseling, and coaching in the field of grief, crisis, and trauma through the Institute for Compassionate Care. Jennifer is an approved instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, teaching several CISM courses. In addition, she serves as Director of the Grief, Crisis, and Disaster Network of the American Association of Christian Counselors and Clinical Director for the Crisis Response Team of the United States Concealed Carry Association. Jennifer is the co-author of The First 48 Hours: Spiritual Caregivers as First Responders, Spiritual and Psychological First Aid, and Understanding Suicide: Effective Tools for Prevention, Intervention, and Survivor Support.