Compassion Fatigue

Presenter: Gae Neill (LLB, ATCL)

Compassion fatigue has been described as the ‘cost of caring’ for others. It is an occupational hazard, which means that almost everyone who empathises with their patients or clients will eventually develop it to some degree. This workshop explores compassion fatigue, its impacts, and better strategies to manage it so that you can be most resilient in your work. 

This workshop will cover: 

• Definitions of compassion fatigue and the differences between burnout, vicarious trauma, and secondary trauma 
• How to recognise signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue 
• Risk factors that trigger compassion fatigue in your practice or workplace 

At the end of this workshop, participants will have a greater understanding of: 

• Differences between compassion fatigue and other types of stress and trauma 
• Practical tools and tips for managing compassion fatigue 
• Self-care strategies for building resilience in your work 

This workshop is aimed at professionals offering mental and emotional support to clients; including counsellors, clinicians, youth workers, school staff, teachers, and anyone in the social service sector. 

Gae Neill been a long-time member of Skylight’s Training Faculty, specialising in workshops on change, loss, grief and resilience. She is a member of Skylight’s advisory board for the Travellers programme, which supports young people to navigate difficult life challenges. A former specialist family lawyer, she also works extensively with Youthline Wellington, having set up their Community Ongoing Education Programme. She has run workshops for youth in mainstream and alternative education and provided support for school counsellors working with young people at the coal face.

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Presenter: Dr. Chris Taua (PhD, BN, PGCHlthSc (MH), MN(Distinction), CertAT, FNZCMHN) 

Positive and negative stress is a constant in our lives. Feeling anxious about one thing or another is also an everyday part of most people’s life. However, when things get out of control, we become over stressed which can then lead into more serious mental health issues such as anxiety. This workshop will provide the skills to understand how stress impacts on wellbeing and the strategies to support those who are experiencing extreme stress and anxiety. 

This workshop will cover: 

• Stress and anxiety on a continuum 
• Signs of increasing stress and anxiety 
• Anxiety disorders 
• Trauma influences on stress and anxiety 
• Risk factors that trigger stress and anxiety 

At the end of this workshop, participants will: 

• Explain stress on a continuum in order to recognise when it may be out of control 
• Describe the body’s physiological responses to anxiety and stress 
• Recognise and explain the role trauma plays in increasing one’s susceptibility to high levels of stress and anxiety 
• Describe trauma informed care 
• Discuss anxiety disorders and recommended responses 
• Describe coping and supportive strategies such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, stress logs, to support others experiencing stress and anxiety effects 

Chris is an experienced mental health nurse and educator. She holds an adult teaching qualification as well as health qualifications. Her clinical background is in acute and rehabilitation psychiatry and disability. She has over 25 years' experience in health/disability sectors. Her education portfolio includes mental health, cultural safety, disability, responding to bullying and conflict in the workplace, ethics and boundaries, communication and de-escalation, collaborative note writing, safer home visiting, trauma informed care, and recovery focused practice. Chris also provides a peer perspective into her work. She has extensive (over 25 years) clinical, teaching and research experience in health and social wellbeing. Chris manages a small consultancy business providing training and supervision to various groups within the health, justice and social service communities. Her PhD explored the mental hea lth inpatient experiences of people with intellectual disability and she continues to publish on this and other topics including cultural diversity/cultural safety. She is currently Director of Pumahara Consultants and holds an Honorary Senior Lecturer role with The University of Queensland.

Monthly Speaking Circle: Relational Presence Training

Presenter: Sally Forman

Do you want to deepen your natural capacity to connect with ease and confidence with your audience? Want to know you can relate authentically in your personal and professional relationships?

Relational Presence is our natural capacity to be in connection with one person at a time, from the inside out. It is a powerful foundation for both personal and professional authentic communication and presentation. Relational Presence is a tool for improved relationship and team communication, self-authority, impactful leadership and effective listening. It helps you to move away from relating through 'performance' to creating real connection that creates a meaningful impact, whoever your audience is. Relational Presence is like a muscle, it gets stronger with practise. A monthly speaking circle is a safe and supportive space to explore and deepen your experience of Relational Presence.

In a Monthly Speaking Circle: Relational Presence Training you will practise:

• Assuming and receiving, support
• Connecting with one person at a time
• Being yourself
• Finding your natural voice
• Delivering impromptu content