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

by Jennifer A. Blough

Compassion fatigue is the emotional drain experienced by caregivers of both people and animals. In this invaluable workbook, counselor and animal-welfare expert Jennifer A. Blough focuses on people who work with animals—and who often don’t get the help they need. Through personal stories and exercises, Jennifer assists readers in overcoming care-related issues and regaining a positive psyche. In this workbook, you will learn the symptoms of compassion fatigue and the risk factors for developing it, and you will understand the human-animal relationship. You will discover how to practice mindfulness, meditate, and use progressive muscle relaxation techniques and massage therapy to calm the mind and body. The book will also help you to tweak your thought processes and communicate in a healthy way, while creating limits. You’ll even receive tips on using nutrition, physical activity, and rest to help combat compassion fatigue. If you need counseling or group support, the book will guide you in the right direction. After completing the exercises and following Jennifer’s expert advice, you will feel recharged and ready to return to helping animals in need.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Activism, Self Help, Psychology

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

Jen Blough, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor who is certified in compassion fatigue, pet loss grief, and trauma. As a vegan and former shelter worker/animal control officer, she has an extensive background in animal advocacy and activism and is passionate about helping those who love, care for, and work to protect animals! In addition to her books, she offers many free mental health resources for animal welfare warriors on her website. jenblough.com.

Instagram: @jenblough.compassion.fatigue
YouTube: jenbloughlpc

Reviews

[Shani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I was very surprised by this book. I hadn't really stopped to think about the fact that there are compassion fatigue workers outside of those who work with people.

Once I got into this book, it made complete sense. I really appreciate the way the author not only shared their personal struggles but how they've battled to make changes. Not only that, but it doesn't read like an instruction manual or preaching to the reader. Instead, it reads more as a guide on how to recognize the signs, exercises on how to regulate, practicing self-care, and relaxation.

It's quite interesting and insightful.

[gracie agnes :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

seemed repetitive at times, but overall was really good. definitely needed this :)

[Darlene Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have it!!!!

Very good book. I am a long time rescuer over 40 years. I realized I as a person was changing and I didn't know why. I didn't want a therapist or a support group. I wanted to know why so I started searching and reading. Found an article and bingo I diagnosed myself.

[Rei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential to any worker in vet industry (with heart). Explains the phases and symptoms of compassion fatigue (Ch. 2). Introduces many self-care activities, within one week of practising recovered from compassion fatigue. Most importantly explains a lot of unhealthy thinking patterns (Ch. 6) that trips me up a lot.
A book to reread periodically. Say 3 months.
Self-care should be performed daily.