Beyond Compassion Fatigue: Make Your Passion for Helping Animals Sustainable!

Ep. 16: Veterinary Social Work with Kelly Bremken, MSSW, CSWA, VSW

On today's show, we talk with Kelly Bremken, a veterinary social worker from Oregon Humane Society. Kelly sheds light on: 

• What is a veterinary social worker and what her role looks like day to day.
• How veterinary social work is similar to and different from traditional social work. 
• How veterinary social workers can support staff and volunteers with managing compassion fatigue, trauma, grief, or burnout.
• How Kelly personally maintains healthy boundaries and manages her own compassion fatigue in such an emotionally demanding role.
• How does the Oregon Humane Society prioritizes mental health and wellness for its staff and volunteers.
• Where can veterinary social workers be utilized? 
• What organizations can do to promote employee wellness--with or without the help of a veterinary social worker. 

Resources mentioned: 

To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior

Kelly Grace/Second Growth

Jessica Dolce’s Compassion in Balance Program

International Association of Veterinary Social Work

University of Tennessee Center for Veterinary Social Work

Oregon Humane Society

Free resources:
https://www.beyondcompassionfatigue.com

 

Ep. 15: The Ups and Downs of Rescuing Rabbits with Jo-Anne Barklay

In this episode, I talk with Jo-Anne Barklay of Running Rabbit Farm to explore the often-overlooked emotional toll of rabbit rescue. While most people associate animal rescue with dogs and cats, rescuing bunnies comes with its own unique heartbreaks—and rewards.

Jo-Anne shares what inspired her to dedicate her life to rabbit rescue, the kinds of emotional challenges rescuers face after Easter and beyond, and how public misconceptions about rabbits as pets add to the stress. She opens up about her own experiences with compassion fatigue, what it looked like for her, and the ways she’s learned to cope and stay grounded in the work.

We also talk about:

• The grief, trauma, and burnout bunny rescuers silently carry
• What triggers compassion fatigue in this field
• Coping tools and the importance of compassion satisfaction
• How community support makes a difference
• What needs to change—both within rescue and in public attitudes

Jo-Anne closes with a story of two special rabbits that remind her why this hard work is worth it.

Resources mentioned:

• Learn more about Running Rabbit Farm: http://www.runningrabbitfarm.com/
• Follow Running Rabbit Farm on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066523036081
• Get in touch with Jo-Anne: bunnylady@runningrabbitfarm.com
• Get free compassion fatigue resources here: https://www.beyondcompassionfatigue.com/

Ep. 14: Let's Talk About "Big T" and "Little T" Trauma

In this solo episode, we’re diving deep into a topic that touches nearly everyone working or volunteering in animal care, welfare, and activism: trauma. More specifically, we explore the difference between Big T trauma (major, acute, often life-threatening events) and little t trauma (chronic, cumulative stressors that wear you down over time)—and why both deserve serious attention.

Whether you’re on the front lines of rescue, working behind the scenes in advocacy, or supporting animals through veterinary, shelter, or sanctuary work, this episode will help you recognize how trauma might be affecting you—and what you can do about it.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The origins of Big T and little t trauma in psychological research
• How trauma manifests in animal-related roles—whether you're a shelter worker, vet tech, activist, or wildlife rehabber
• The link between cumulative trauma and Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS)
• Common physical, emotional, behavioral, and relational signs of trauma
• Why we need to stop comparing or minimizing our pain
• The power of self-compassionate language in trauma recovery
• Simple but effective strategies to support your nervous system
• Restorative practices and trauma-informed leadership tips
• Reflective questions to guide your own healing journey

For free resources on managing compassion fatigue, check out https://www.beyondcompassionfatigue.com/

Ep.13: Psychological Safety in the Workplace with Hermence Matsotsa

In this episode, we’re joined by Hermence Matsotsa, the Founder of uBuntuSpeaks®, a global leadership coach, Positive Intelligence expert, and speaker who helps us understand the importance of psychological safety—what it really means, why it matters, and how it can transform workplaces that are emotionally intense and trauma-exposed. Whether you work or volunteer in animal rescue, animal care and control, veterinary care, or any other type of animal advocacy, creating a culture of safety and trust isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a must.

We explore:

• What is psychological safety, and why it’s essential in both the workplace as well as within the animal care, welfare, and activism fields.
• Why psychological safety is especially vital in trauma-exposed and emotionally intense fields like animal welfare.
• The red flags that signal a psychologically unsafe work environment
• Who is responsible for creating psychological safety—leaders, teams, or everyone?
• Day-to-day practices that promote trust, openness, and emotional well-being
• The important link between psychological safety and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)

Resources mentioned:

Hermence’s socials:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/uBuntuSpeaksLLC/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/uBuntuSpeaks_Hermence/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmubuntuworkforce/

Hermence’s contact info:

Phone: 202.421.9184

Email: hermence@ubuntuworkforce.com

Ep. 12: Coaching vs. Therapy: Which One is Right for You?

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to turn for support? You’re not alone—and today’s episode is here to help.

In this episode of Beyond Compassion Fatigue, I break down one of the most common questions I'm asked:
What’s the difference between therapy and coaching—and which one is right for me?

Whether you’ve tried therapy and still feel stuck, or you're just starting to explore your options for support, this episode offers clarity, guidance, and hope.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The key differences between therapy and coaching
• How to determine which approach best fits your current needs
• Why some people benefit from both therapy and coaching
• What group coaching offers that 1:1 support doesn’t
• A sneak peek into my nine-week Group Coaching Program for Compassion Fatigue

Learn more about the Group Coaching Program here!

Ep. 11: Let's Talk Boundaries!

Happy National Boundaries Awareness Day! On today's episode, we'll explore: 

• What are boundaries and why they're important in animal care, welfare, and activism
• Soft, rigid, and healthy boundaries
• How boundaries can impact your personal and professional lives
• How different boundaries might show up in your work with animals
• Time, emotional, mental, communication, physical, energy, and professional boundaries
• Practical strategies to set and maintain healthy boundaries and protect your mental health

Grab your boundaries affirmations and other free resources at https://www.beyondcompassionfatigue.com/

 

Ep. 10: Trauma in Animal Care, Welfare, and Activism

In today's episode, we explore the different types of trauma that can be common in animal care, welfare, and activism. We'll learn about: 

• What is trauma?
• Why trauma is actually subjective
• Primary and secondary trauma
• Secondary traumatic stress
• Symptoms of trauma
• How trauma contributes to compassion fatigue
• Collective trauma
• Perpetration Induced Traumatic Stress
• Acute and chronic trauma
• Acute stress reaction

Grab your free resources! https://www.beyondcompassionfatigue.com/

 

Ep: 9: Peer Support with Val Ellsworth

Today I talk with Val Ellsworth, the founder of Nothing But Love Canine Foundation to explore the mental health impact of working in animal rescue and the importance of peer support. 

We explore

• Her journey into animal welfare work

• Early signs that her mental health was suffering

• Why isolation is so common—and dangerous—in this field

• The life-changing power of peer support and safe spaces

• Letting go of guilt and embracing self-care

• Boundaries and practices that protect emotional well-being

• How to begin building a personal or professional support network

Resources mentioned: 

Compassion Fatigue Group Coaching Program

Nothing But Love Canine Foundation:

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