Eric Gentry – Certification Training for Compassion Fatigue Professionals (CCFP)

This is an intermediate-Level certification and a course that is open for all care-Volunteer or professional giving. To regain your senses of purpose, purpose and hope in your workplace, you can become a certified compassion fatigue professional.

1. Understanding of the historical developments in the field of care giving that gave rise to the concept of compassion fatigue (e.g., diagnosis of PTSD being included in DSM—III, vicarious trauma, burnout research, etc)
2. The ability to describe the etiology and causes of compassion fatigue by using its two primary components, burnout and secondary trauma stress.
3. Companion fatigue can be understood and treated.
4. Administration and interpretation of assessment instruments to assess compassion fatigue. for Self and others who are primarily focused on the Pro-QOL (Stamm 2005).
5. Awareness of and ability to narrate one’s own personal/professional history that has lead to negative effects associated with professional and/or volunteer care giving.
6. Understanding the role of perceived threat and sympathetic nervous systems dominance in the generation compassion fatigue symptoms. And, conversely understanding the role of self-Regulation to mitigate current and prevent future effects.
7. Identify the process (i.e. “infection”) of secondary traumatic stress—how does a professional become gradually symptomatic when working with traumatized and suffering others?
8. To alleviate symptoms and avoid future trauma, be aware of the ways you can use: (a) Connection/Support; (b); Relaxation; and (c) Exposure/Narrative.

10. Skilled application of CBT tools (e.g., relaxation, exposure and perceptual change) to lessen the effects of compassion fatigue in one’s own life.

11. Intentionality and principle are important.-Care giving based on internal locus of control (i.e., care based on the patient) as a method for Symptom relief and resilience

12. Understanding and articulating the effects of compassion fatigue on professional maturity.

13. Understanding and articulating the specific tasks, trajectory, and processes associated with professional maturation. How these skills can enhance resilience.

14. Explain and comprehend a model of professional resilience that allows the care provider be as healthy and functional as possible, regardless of environmental factors “demands” (internal control vs. exterior control).

15. Recognize five (5) key resiliency skills for The prevention of compassion fatigue, and how to use these skills for the prevention or negative work-Related effects

16. Demonstrate the ability and creativity to design your own self-Plan for professional resilience.