Compassion fatigue is one of those terms that folks in the service industry like to use a lot. Compassion fatigue is the physical, emotional and psychological impact that comes from helping others. According to the American Psychological Association, it can cause, among a host of other things, burnout, depression and anxiety, as well as both physical and emotional exhaustion.


But what actually IS compassion fatigue? Why are folx in the service industry - like dog trainers, hair stylists and even therapists and doctors - so vulnerable to it? And how do you even know if you're suffering from it? 


To answer those questions and more, Bill talks this time to Alex Fliess. Alex Fliess is a licensed clinical social worker in Chicago. After starting work in a group therapy practice in 2016, Alex went on to open their own practice – Three Tales Therapy – in 2018 and now also co-owns Chicago Center for Sex and Wellbeing


Big Wags Chicago is on the web at www.bigwagschicago.com. You can also find Big Wags on Twitter and Instagram at @bigwagschicago. Have a question you want answered in a future episode or just want to say hi? Email [email protected].

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