This introductory course is based on the 253-page book, Help for the Helper : The Psychophysiology of Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma (2006) by Babette Rothschild, M.S.W., LCSW. The post-test consists of 30 multiple choice and true/false questions.
Theories already exist about the cognitive mechanisms and psychological impact of therapeutic risks. However, for the most part, the neuropsychological and somatic aspects have yet to be looked into in depth. This volume will introduce solid research from neurobiological, experimental, social, and folk psychology that will explain the origins of the risks therapists encounter in their work with clients. Scientific findings then will form the foundation for the design and support of new skills therapists can use to improve their own situations.
OVERVIEW
Good therapy cannot occur without empathy. Empathy, however, can jeopardize a therapist’s well-being and eventually compromise the therapeutic process itself. Here Babette Rothschild draws on the powerful mind-body perspective put forward in her highly successful The Body Remembers in order to help therapists help themselves through an understanding of the role the body plays in mental health and overall well-being.
Therapist burnout is a pressing issue. Self-care and risk-avoidance are possible only when therapists actively help themselves.
Self-care, however, needs to be grounded in neurophysiological theory and must be practiced correctly and consistently in one’s mental health work. The difference in the new awareness that Rothschild recommends will be felt not just in the life and well-being of the therapist, but also in the therapy hour as this attentiveness has its affect on the exchange between therapist and client. Help for the Helper offers readers a comprehensive approach to somatic empathy and therapist self-care.
Based on the scientific foundation of the phenomenon of somatic empathy, Rothschild offers clinicians practical skill-building advice to manage burnout and stress inside and outside the consulting room.
* Preface: Using Common Sense
* Introduction: Overview
* Organization
* Disclaimer
* Chapter 1 Psychotherapists at Risk: Therapist Assets and Deficits
* Identifying Terminology
* Countertransference
* Projective Identification
* Empathy
* Chapter 2 Managing the Ties That Bind: Theory-The Neurophysiology of Empathy
* Somatic Empathy
* Mirroring and Mimicry
* Skill Building—Facial and Postural Awareness
* Conscious Postural Mirroring
* Unmirroring
* Chapter 3 Keeping Calm: Theory—The Neurophysiology of Arousal
* Skill Building—Arousal Awareness
* The Therapist’s Brakes
* How Close is Too Close?
* Controlling Empathic Imagery
* Chapter 4 Thinking Clearly: Theory—The Neurophysiology of Clear Thinking
* Skill Building—Know Thyself
* Strengthening the Observer
* Controlling Self-Talk
* Nurturing Your Work Space
* Structured Self-Care
* Chapter 5 Concluding Reflections: Revisiting Projective Identification
* To Each Her Own Chair
* Final Words
* Appendices: Assessment
* Pilot Research
GOALS
At the conclusion of this program you should be better able to:
Advance Acclaim for Help for the Helper:
"Babette Rothschild has done a masterful job in laying out important principles and strategies to avoid compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and burnout. She integrates several core psychological concepts-countertransference projective identification, and empathy-with recent research on mirror neurons, emotional contagion, and neurobiology. Help for the Helper, so clearly written and well organized, will benefit any practitioner who wants to avoid the fatigue that interferes with treatment of the people who are most in need of our help. Reading this book, and following the exercises Rothschild provides will be of value for both new and experienced therapists."
–Marion F. Solomon, Ph.D., founder of the Lifespan Learning Institute in Los Angeles and author of Narcissism and Intimacy and Lean on Me
SPEAKER PROFILE
Babette Rothschild, M.S.W. is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#LCS 6799). She has been a practitioner since 1976 and a teacher and trainer since 1992. She is the author of three books, all published by WW Norton: The Body Remembers--The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment (a bestseller); The Body Remembers CASEBOOK--Unifying Methods and Models in the Treatment of Trauma and PTSD; and Help for the Helper--The Psychophysiology of Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma. After living and working for nine years in Copenhagen, Denmark, she returned to her native Los Angeles where she maintains a private practice while continuing to lecture, train, and supervise professional psychotherapists worldwide.