Counselling for professionals

Compassion Fatigue and Secondary Trauma Counselling in Essex

Caring for others who are suffering can take a toll. You deserve support too.

Understanding

What are compassion fatigue and secondary trauma?

Compassion fatigue is emotional exhaustion from caring for others. Secondary trauma can develop from repeated exposure to other people’s traumatic experiences. Both are common in teaching, healthcare, social care, policing and counselling.

Counselling gives you a place to process what you carry and protect your wellbeing.

You may recognise

  • Feeling numb or drained
  • Intrusive thoughts about cases
  • Irritability or hopelessness
  • Difficulty switching off
  • Avoiding work or people
  • Losing joy in the job you love

How I help

A gentle, tailored approach

Processing

Making space for what you have absorbed.

Boundaries

Protecting your energy and wellbeing.

Sustaining the work

Staying connected to why you do it.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is this a sign I am in the wrong job?

Not necessarily. It often means you care deeply and need support.

Can supervision help too?

Yes, and counselling offers a complementary, private space.

About Clare Kiernan

Why Essex Therapy

I bring over 25 years of counselling experience, a compassionate, collaborative and evidence-informed approach, and a commitment to working at your pace. I am a BACP accredited counsellor and qualified clinical supervisor.

Read more about me

Part of: Counselling for professionals

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You don't have to do this alone

Take the first step when you're ready

Get in touch to talk about how I can support you. There is no pressure and no obligation.