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
Pietro (Pete) Martucci, LPCC
Ref 37848
Calm guidance for stress and life changes
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingRoseanne Jackson, LCSW, LCSW-R
Ref 54688
Compassionate, practical help for big life stressors
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAmanda Parry, BACP
Ref 142169
Therapist using integrative, exploratory approaches
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingMark Dexter, BACP
Ref 188313
Practical therapy for mood and life changes
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingSiyue Zhang, AASW
Ref 243585
Calm, practical therapy focused on real-life change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English, Mandarin
View listingDr. Wanetta "Nita" Hughes Bise, LPC
Ref 7050
Therapist focused on practical support
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAnastasia Seale, BACP
Ref 173105
Compassionate integrative counsellor for everyday struggles
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English, Russian
View listingRebecca Gilmour, BACP
Ref 279125
Flexible pluralistic counsellor for everyday struggles
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingYumi Lemaster, LCSW
Ref 2633
Skilled, practical therapy for real-life struggles
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingWilliam Signey, BACP
Ref 113870
Practical, person-focused counselling for life challenges
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJanet Hardin, LCSW
Ref 55726
Practical, compassionate support for life challenges
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingSydney Fisher, LPC
Ref 187550
Compassionate counselor guiding practical growth
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingThomas Dukes, LMHC
Ref 44134
Experienced counselor with practical focus
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingMarni Tartack, LCSW
Ref 303765
Strength through practical steps
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJonathan Wilkes, BACP
Ref 123145
Calm listening with practical skills
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Family Languages: English
View listingRoselyn Robertson, BACP
Ref 202372
Sensitive, practical counselling for life’s difficult moments
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingJonathan Stuart, NCPS
Ref 175272
Practical, respectful support for everyday struggles
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingBrittany Elledge, LPCC, LMHC
Ref 11729
Practical, client-centered support for life changes
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingDawn Nunney, NCPS
Ref 97317
Compassionate person-centred counselling with practical tools
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingWendi Makus, LPC
Ref 48129
Practical therapy for stress and relationships
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingBetty Adhokorie, BACP
Ref 118948
Practical support for stress, trauma and life change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingBrandi Kelly, LA Psychologist
Ref 201932
Experienced Louisiana psychologist focused on practical change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Parenting Languages: English
View listingLatrice Scott, LMHC, LPC
Ref 15171
Supportive counselor for life changes
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Anger Languages: English
View listingDebbie Griffin, NCPS
Ref 183398
Calm guidance for stress and life change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingCarol Broad, NCPS
Ref 128573
Calm, practical counselling for everyday challenges
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingJessica Sullivan, BACP
Ref 94142
Compassionate counsellor focused on practical change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJames Hagins, LPC
Ref 233524
Compassionate, practical therapy for life transitions
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingShawn Alyea, LPC
Ref 14872
Compassionate counselor guiding practical change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Grief Languages: English
View listingKendall Jones, LCSW
Ref 106192
Compassionate LCSW focused on practical support
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingTammy Russell, LMHC
Ref 181426
Compassionate, practical therapy for real-life struggles
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingJennifer Blaney-Sutton, BACP
Ref 225637
Collaborative psychotherapist for adult challenges
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingRebecca Henderson, PACFA
Ref 342060
Practical, compassionate counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingCory Nelson, LPC
Ref 77586
A steady, practical counselor focused on goals
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDarwin Allen, LCPC
Ref 125869
Direct, practical counseling for everyday challenges
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Family Languages: English
View listingDr. Cassandra April, LCPC
Ref 44666
Compassionate, practical therapy for life's hard moments
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAnnie Taylor, NCPS
Ref 153305
Experienced client-centred counsellor
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingKeith Chilton, LMFT
Ref 106189
Experienced marriage and family therapist
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingMarilee Frazier, LPC
Ref 257654
Compassionate counselor for adults seeking practical change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingMatt Lightfoot, NCPS
Ref 193161
Person-centred counsellor who values meaning and choice
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingMark McConnell, BACP
Ref 208651
Practical support for stress and change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDawn Redwood, NCPS
Ref 137085
Client-centred counsellor focusing on practical change
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingLucy Warner, BACP
Ref 200588
Support for grief and long-term illness
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Grief Languages: English
View listingDiane Trosch, LPC
Ref 80275
Simple practical help for life transitions
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingDarla McAdams, LPC
Ref 58935
Practical, person-focused counseling in Missouri
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 listingApril Vandiver, LPC
Ref 229121
Compassionate counselor helping people move forward
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSandra Johnson, LMFT, LPC
Ref 16121
Practical, skill-focused therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingMegan Young, LMHC
Ref 332747
Compassionate counselor for life transitions
Works with: Compassion fatigue, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem 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.