Strategies of Addiction Counselors to Avoid Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

Brian N Paulson¹*, Amy L Hayes², Stacey C Lilley³, Brad A Imhoff³ and Charlotte A Crosland^3
1City Vision University, USA
²Spring Arbor University, USA
³Liberty University, USA
*Corresponding Author: Brian N Paulson, City Vision University, USA.

Published: January 06, 2025

DOI: 10.55162/MCMS.08.263

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Abstract  

The American Counseling Association, 2014, and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs, 2024, recognize the severe risks of Burnout & Compassion Fatigue and advocate for effective prevention measures. In collaboration with NAADAC- The Association for Addiction Professionals, a study was conducted comprising semi-structured interviews of qualifying addiction counselors to document their lived experiences of resiliency in the profession. This article aims to outline the effective personal strategies of addiction counselors that facilitate resilience. This could potentially lead to increasing an addiction counselor’s longevity in the field and supporting other healthcare clinicians who experience high levels of burnout and compassion fatigue.

Keywords: wellness; burnout; fatigue; resiliency; counselor education

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