Compassion Fatigue in the Funeral Industry
International Grief Institute | www.InternationalGriefInstitute.com “I feel burned out and don’t know where to turn,” said the funeral director at a state conference this past summer. I admired his honesty, and an engaging conversation about compassion fatigue ensued. What exactly is compassion fatigue, and what makes the funeral industry at risk? As a primary caregiver to the newly bereaved, funeral directors are subjected to traumatic stories through the families they comfort. Absorbing repeat exposure to …