This session was presented on February 25, 2026.
This presentation is designed for leaders, managers, and employees in trauma-exposed organizations, such as healthcare providers, first responders, social workers, and animal welfare professionals. The session will provide an in-depth understanding of Empathic Strain—a key factor contributing to burnout and emotional exhaustion in these fields. Participants will explore the causes and symptoms of empathic strain, identify who is most at risk, and learn practical techniques to manage emotional fatigue while maintaining a balanced and sustainable approach to their work and personal lives.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will:
- Understand what empathic strain is and why it affects individuals in trauma-exposed work environments.
- Identify the symptoms of empathic strain, and recognize when they or their colleagues may be experiencing its effects.
- Learn techniques and strategies for managing empathic strain to help employees maintain their emotional well-being while continuing to do their critical work.
- Create a culture of support in trauma-exposed workplaces to reduce the risks of burnout and emotional exhaustion among staff.
Featured Speaker:
Rhonda Hirst
Rhonda Hirst has been a chaplain within the Sudbury Healthcare system since 2004 and has been Chaplain Lead of the Spiritual and Religious Care Department since 2015. During Rhonda’s time as chaplain, Rhonda, and her chaplain colleagues, have been called upon to support staff in many different, unexpected, and challenging types of situations within the hospital setting. Since 2007 Rhonda has been taking numerous courses, basic and training the trainer, on the topic of Empathic Strain (formerly Compassion Fatigue); taking courses supporting staff in trauma-exposed work environments as well as taking a plethora of courses supporting staff with the use of the defusing and debriefing models following critical incidents that have occurred in the workplace. Rhonda’s passion is ensuring that staff feel supported in the healthcare system with the hope that feeling supported will allow for them to have long and healthy careers in the healthcare sector. In her own time away from the hospital, Rhonda enjoys reading; spending time with friends and helping out in various ministries in the Sudbury/Manitoulin Area.
Fees: FREE
