Caring for Caregivers: Supporting Individuals that are Supporting Others

Course overview

Caregivers of all kinds, from physicians to family members, experience similar stressors related to the support and treatment they provide. The same attributes that make for a qualified caregiver such as empathy, sensitivity, and compassion can make them vulnerable to burnout and psychological trauma. In situations of intense and ongoing need, even with effective self-care practices and social connection, maladaptive ways of coping can surface and health can suffer. Based on what is known about chronic stress and trauma, it is imperative for behavioral health professionals to provide timely, effective treatment and support to caregivers. The goal of this course is to provide addictions professionals, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and social workers in health and human services settings with approaches for supporting and treating caregivers.