FEATURED SPEAKER:  PATRICK SLIFKA, Director of Training, National Counseling Group

Workshop Description:  Compassion fatigue is described as vicarious traumatization brought on by observing or hearing others’ stories of traumatic events and human service practitioners are at risk. In this workshop the facilitator will explore how working with victims and offenders can impact human service workers. These practitioners are at special risk for developing symptoms of secondary traumatic stress and burnout, which comprise the diagnosis of compassion fatigue.

About The  Trainer: J. Patrick Slifka joined the National Counseling Group after eleven and a half years of psychiatric and dual diagnosis work at Columbia Dominion Psychiatric Hospital, where he was involved in developing and implementing cutting-edge treatment interventions for their adolescent and adult patient populations. Additionally, he worked extensively with the child and geriatric programs, expanding his competency in developmental issues and age-appropriate interventions.  Currently, Mr. Slifka is NCG’s Director of Training.  He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Hampden-Sydney College and a Masters of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is also a Certified Addictions Counselor.

VIRGINIA JUVENILE JUSTICE ASSOCIATION (VJJA)

Founded in 1966, the Virginia Juvenile Justice Association is an organization of more than 1200 professionals representing court services, the judiciary, detention homes, correctional facilities, group homes, indigent defense, social services, education, law enforcement and more.  The organization is administered by an elected board and is committed to child advocacy and advancing the professionals interests and competencies of its members.  Learn more at www.VJJA.org