Vicarious Trauma & Empathic Overwhelm

Illustration with the words ‘Giving Empathy’ above two animals hugging.

This article considers vicarious trauma in realtion to empathic parts. It discusses the limits of empathy, introduces the term “empathic overwhelm” which is to a degree synonymous with burnout and compassion fatigue, and invites those working in human services to foster compassion and compassionate connection as the healing response.