About compassion fatigue
This page lists therapists who indicate compassion fatigue as a focus, along with their approaches, credentials, languages, and experience. Browse the profiles below to learn how different clinicians describe their work with caregivers, healthcare workers, first responders, and others affected by prolonged helping stress.
What to compare in entries
| Credentials | A US state licence, or membership of a professional body such as BACP or NCPS. They are different kinds of thing; each profile shows what was supplied. |
|---|---|
| Focus | Whether compassion fatigue is listed as a main focus or among the wider list of areas. Entries show both. |
| Way of working | The approaches named on the entry. Two people working with the same concern can describe very different sessions. |
| Time in practice | Years in practice, as supplied. A fact to weigh, not a ranking. |
| Language | The languages sessions can be held in, where that matters to you. |
Common questions
How were these entries chosen?
Everyone listed on this page has compassion fatigue among the areas they told the platform they work with. They are not ranked, rated or endorsed by this directory, and the order is not a recommendation.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You can contact a therapist through their entry directly. A GP referral is not required for independent online therapy.
What if the first therapist is not right?
Changing therapist is normal and expected, and can be done at any point. One session is a small sample of how someone works.
Entries for compassion fatigue
Savithri (Savi) Jayaweera, NCPS
Ref 151058
Compassionate counsellor for complex life challenges
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English, Hindi, Sinhala
View listingAngela Teasdale, NCPS
Ref 119622
Supportive counsellor focusing on practical change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingJoy Nussen, LMFT
Ref 13668
Practical, compassionate therapy for adults
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingJoanne Maddison, BACP
Ref 276861
Compassionate counsellor blending insight and practical tools
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Grief Languages: English
View listingJames French, BACP
Ref 203032
Practical support for anxiety and life transitions
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingDavid Potts, LCSW
Ref 23255
Practical, compassionate therapy for life changes
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingNicola Claydon, NCPS
Ref 183763
Calm, practical support for complex life issues
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingRichard Gordon-Smith , NCPS
Ref 120083
Straightforward, experienced counsellor for complex issues
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingIvy Medow, LPC
Ref 300506
Practical counseling for life transitions
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Family, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingAnnette OBryant, LPC
Ref 77726
Compassionate counselor focused on practical change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingVictoria Postles, BACP
Ref 164179
Practical, person-led counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Grief Languages: English
View listingWellington Cesar Assis Bueno, BACP
Ref 226813
Healing emotions, building clearer choices
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English, Portuguese
View listingKizzie Wells-Daniels, LPC
Ref 67515
Therapist for stress, parenting, and life changes
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Parenting Languages: English
View listingRebecca "Becca" Mather, BACP
Ref 236007
Compassionate, practical support for life’s pressures
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingJoanne Rothery, NCPS
Ref 179003
Compassionate counsellor for stress and trauma
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingJennifer Lee Sylvester, LCSW
Ref 116075
Experienced LCSW offering respectful, practical care
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJessica Hobart, LCSW
Ref 201728
Practical support for stress and life changes
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Grief Languages: English
View listingSara Lowe, LPC
Ref 104527
Practical, compassionate therapy for life changes
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingMichael Pfisterer, LCSW
Ref 6636
Practical goal-focused therapy
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Parenting Languages: English
View listingFrank Centonze, LPC
Ref 297421
Direct, practical counseling for emotional recovery
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingLauren Anzelone, LCSW
Ref 70436
Supportive LCSW guiding practical change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Anger Languages: English
View listingJudith Ramsay, BACP
Ref 135275
Counselling that focuses on practical change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingCozy Gray, LPC
Ref 349996
Practical support for stress and life transitions
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingAdrian Jackson, BACP
Ref 271038
Compassionate counsellor using practical, person-focused methods
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingDestiny York, LPC
Ref 340789
Compassionate, practical counseling for life changes
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Addictions, LGBT Languages: English
View listingCecile Terrelonge, BACP
Ref 134582
Person-centred counsellor offering practical support
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingAnjanette Morton, LMHC
Ref 207471
Calm, practical support for life changes
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingRev. Catherine Bogue, LCSW
Ref 168255
Compassionate guidance for life’s hard changes
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingFaith Beaulieu, LCMHC
Ref 23986
Somatic-minded counselor for focused change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingDianna Wheeler, LPC
Ref 354614
Practical support for healing and stronger coping skills
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJohn Swearengin, LPC
Ref 93490
Practical support for stress, addiction, and mood
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMegan Warner, BACP
Ref 241754
Short-term practical counselling and coaching
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingClaudia Santiago, LCSW
Ref 149793
Practical, collaborative therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Spanish
View listingMaria Wilson, LCSW
Ref 138055
Understanding, practical support for everyday struggles
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingVivian Fleming, LPCC
Ref 88191
Practical support for trauma and mood challenges
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDr. Robert Nolan, LMHC
Ref 15781
Steady, practical counseling for real-life struggles
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJulie Fraser, BACP
Ref 160259
Practical support for stress and trauma
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingPaul Bryan, LPC
Ref 175985
Compassionate counselor guiding steady change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Family, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingMarni Tartack, LCSW
Ref 303765
Strength through practical steps
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingCarson Gerber, LPC
Ref 27651
Compassionate practical therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAquila Rives, LPC
Ref 68305
Practical therapy for trauma, stress, and relationships
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingDr. Robert Hunt, LPC
Ref 187307
Experienced therapist for life changes and emotion work
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingPatrick Gribel, LMHC
Ref 348422
Therapist focused on depth and steady change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English, Portuguese
View listingSusan Sigl, LPC
Ref 82483
Experienced counselor focusing on practical support
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingJennifer Cox, LPC
Ref 309768
Calm, practical support for life transitions
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingLisa Spears, LPC
Ref 101050
Hopeful, practical counseling for life
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingKim Smith, BACP
Ref 203026
Warm integrative BACP counsellor
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Family Languages: English
View listingMore about compassion fatigue
Understanding compassion fatigue and who it affects
Compassion fatigue is a form of exhaustion that can develop when you are regularly exposed to others suffering and you are repeatedly required to support, care for, or respond to distress. It is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It reflects a cumulative toll on your emotional, mental, and physical energy when helping others becomes a continuous demand. People in caregiving roles - paid or unpaid - often experience compassion fatigue, including clinicians, social workers, family caregivers, emergency responders, teachers, and community volunteers. The experience can look different from person to person, but common elements include feeling emotionally drained, having less patience, and noticing a decline in empathy and motivation.
Compassion fatigue can also interact with work environment factors such as high caseloads, limited support from colleagues, and organizational stress. External pressures do not create compassion fatigue alone, but they can amplify the impact of repeated exposure to others' trauma and suffering. You might notice changes in how you relate at work and at home - your responses may become shorter, your sleep patterns may shift, and you may find it harder to recover after difficult days. Understanding these patterns is the first step toward addressing them in a therapeutic context.
Recognizing signs that you might benefit from therapy
You may benefit from therapy for compassion fatigue if you experience persistent emotional exhaustion that does not ease with rest or time off. This exhaustion often shows up as a diminished capacity to feel empathy for others, increased irritability, or a sense of numbness. You might also notice physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue that are not explained by other medical conditions. Cognitive changes can include difficulty concentrating, intrusive images or thoughts related to clients or situations, and a growing sense of cynicism about your work or your impact.
Beyond symptoms, therapy can be helpful if your personal relationships are affected - for example, if you withdraw from loved ones, feel unable to be present, or find yourself rehashing work-related experiences at home. If you find that your strategies for coping - such as overworking, isolating, or using alcohol to unwind - are creating new problems, therapy provides a space to explore alternatives. Seeking help does not mean you are not resilient; it means you are taking active steps to protect your well-being and maintain your capacity to care for others over the long term.
What to expect in therapy for compassion fatigue
Therapy for compassion fatigue typically begins with an assessment of the symptoms you are experiencing and the demands of your daily life. In early sessions you and your therapist will review stressors, support systems, and coping strategies to create a clear picture of what is contributing to your exhaustion. Your therapist will likely ask about your work context, typical reactions after stressful incidents, sleep and self-care routines, and personal history that shapes how you respond to stress. This collaborative exploration helps set realistic goals and priorities for your work together.
As therapy progresses you can expect a mix of symptom-focused strategies and approaches that address the broader meaning and context of your distress. Sessions may include skills practice for emotion regulation, pacing strategies to manage workload, and exercises to strengthen boundaries between work and personal life. Therapists often integrate reflective work that helps you reconnect with values and the reasons you entered your field of care. Over time you will develop practical tools to manage acute episodes of overwhelm as well as longer-term practices that rebuild resilience and restore a sense of purpose.
Approaches therapists often list for compassion fatigue and how they help
Different therapists describe a range of approaches that they use when working with people experiencing compassion fatigue. Cognitive-behavioral oriented methods focus on identifying thought patterns and behaviors that maintain distress and on developing concrete skills to interrupt those cycles. Emotion-focused and relational approaches explore how interpersonal dynamics, both at work and in close relationships, affect your capacity to cope. Mindfulness-based methods teach present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental observation of difficult feelings to reduce reactivity and improve recovery between stressful encounters.
Some therapists list trauma-informed approaches among their methods, which can be helpful when compassion fatigue overlaps with exposure to clients' traumatic material. Therapists may also describe experiential techniques that support self-compassion and allow you to process emotional burden in a contained way. It is important to note that a listing of an approach means the therapist uses that approach in practice; it does not indicate a particular credential. When reviewing profiles, you can look for descriptions that explain how those approaches are applied to compassion fatigue, including whether the therapist emphasizes practical coping strategies, reflective processing, or workplace-oriented interventions.
How online therapy works for compassion fatigue and practical considerations
Online therapy can be a practical option for addressing compassion fatigue, especially if your schedule or geographic location makes in-person visits difficult. In an online session you will connect with a therapist using video or phone, and the structure of the work will often mirror what you would experience in person - assessment, skills practice, reflective conversation, and homework tasks. Many people find that online sessions offer flexibility and allow them to access therapists who have specific experience working with helping professionals. If you choose online work, it is useful to create a consistent space for sessions where you can focus without interruptions and where you feel comfortable processing difficult emotions.
When planning online therapy you may want to think about practical details such as session length, the frequency of meetings, and how your therapist handles notes, resources, and follow-up between sessions. You might ask whether the therapist integrates brief exercises you can do between sessions to manage acute stress, or whether they work with you to develop longer-term plans for pacing and boundary-setting. Be aware that online therapy requires reliable technology and a quiet setting during sessions so you can engage fully. If you need to step away during a particularly intense moment, talk with your therapist about safety and grounding strategies that can be used remotely.
Choosing a therapist who fits your needs
Choosing the right therapist for compassion fatigue involves assessing fit across several areas rather than looking for a single label or credential. Consider the populations and work settings a therapist commonly describes, and whether their experience aligns with your context - for example, clinicians who mention working with healthcare workers, emergency responders, or family caregivers may speak more directly to the concerns you face. Read profiles for the language therapists use to describe their approach and ask yourself whether that language resonates with the way you want to work - whether you prefer practical tools, reflective therapy, or an integrated approach that combines both.
Pay attention to how therapists describe session structure and goals. Some clinicians emphasize brief interventions and skills for managing acute episodes of overwhelm, while others focus on deeper processing of meaning, role identity, and long-term recovery. Also consider logistical matters that support your ongoing participation in therapy such as session format, communication style, and whether the descriptions suggest a collaborative relationship. If you are exploring online options, look for clear explanations of how remote sessions are conducted and what to expect between meetings. Ultimately, the best match is a therapist whose approach and communication style feel understandable and respectful of the demands you face as a helper.
Next steps
When you are ready, use the listings above to review therapists who indicate compassion fatigue as a focus. Read profiles to compare approaches, experience, and languages offered. Preparing a short list of questions about how they work with helping professionals can make outreach more focused and help you find a clinician whose approach aligns with your goals for recovery and sustainable caregiving.