Keeping empathy for patients as overwhelmed clinicians

In the theories of trauma-awareness and trauma-sensitive practices between clinicians and patients, themes of authenticity and attunement are cornerstones principles. It is important to maintain trust and relationship with patients if we wish to promote openness and an avenue to healing their trauma.

In a recent education program with Kim Barthel, a Canadian Occupational Therapist specializing in trauma-sensitive practices, I asked the following question:

How can we possibly remain authentic and empathic in high-pace settings, when we must go from one patient onto the next?

This could apply to emergency departments, mental health facilities, dental clinics, or paediatric wards, when caring for multiple patients in one day is inevitable.

The answer is in the Pause. 

The moment we centre ourselves and regain composure. We breathe, bringing focus to ourselves where we spend a moment in self-compassion. Kim Barthel defines how this pause is essential; this is a way to remain empathic the whole time otherwise we become cold clinicians, and lose authenticity.

A happy clinician has self-compassion. 

3-Steps to Gain Composure between patients

You could try this 1 minute exercice.

• Acknowledge yourself: "that was hard. That was very intense. You did well in keeping cool, you were present and mindful to the patient."
• Let go of the attachment to the drama: "that does not belong to you anymore. You serve this patient well, but you can now detach from the emotions, those are not yours. Let it go now." (Breathe deeply).
• We gather strength: focus on yourself, eyes closed if necessary, bringing brighter energy in your mind’s eye. You can find a new intention and extra dose of compassion, before moving onto the next case.

By practicing the Pause and using great doses of self-compassion, healthcare workers can use the shift between rooms as means to continue to offer trauma-sensitive practices with autheticity and empathy, without absorbing the drama or be overwhelmed themselves. 

To find more about Trauma-Sensitive practices in therapy and clinical work with patients, visit www.kimbartell.ca

If you require immediate help, call LifeLine 13 11 14 (Australia, 24/7).

This blog is managed by individuals to open conversations about the wellbeing of healthcare workers, and is not monitored 24/7. We are not a psychology service nor urgent care for mental health emergencies. The information is only suggestive, it does not constitute formal expert advice. Please contact your general physician or your emergency department if you require immediate assistance. If you experience feelings or emotional distress you cannot manage alone, please seek help immediately, either call 000 or LifeLine 13 11 14 (in Australia). 

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