Coping With Adversity Using Self-Compassion
Dr. Essence presented this training on self-compassion as a genuine coping mechanism for adversity, not a soft add-on to "real" coping strategies. Drawing on current events, the training digs into compassion fatigue and burnout among helping professionals, and draws clear lines between self-compassion and adjacent concepts like self-care and empathy — because the distinction actually changes how it's used.
Participants walk through the components of self-compassion, relevant assessment tools and interventions, and a clear-eyed look at both what it does well and where its limits are, backed by experiential practice they can use right away.
This presentation was initially developed by Dr. Essence for Prime Time Palm Beach County, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and supports for out-of-school time professionals to develop programs that inspire children to be their best and support them to thrive socially and academically. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Time brought together a group of over 100 after school professionals to learn more about how to support one another, youth, and staff from Dr. Essence. Since the first presentation, she has been requested to present to professionals and community members on this content multiple times (October 2020, February 2021, October 2021, and November 2023).
Key Takeaways from the training
Self-compassion isn't the same as self-care or empathy. – The training draws clear lines between related concepts so the distinction changes practice, not just vocabulary.
Helping professionals carry a particular stress burden. – Compassion fatigue and burnout show up differently in people whose job is caring for others, and self-compassion is one real counterweight.
It has both evidence and limits. – The training covers assessment tools and interventions alongside an honest look at where self-compassion isn't enough on its own.
While the original presentation was confidential and not recorded, the video below is a recording from the November 2023 presentation.
