Portraits of Professional Caregivers. Their Passion. Their Pain. (2 CEUs) Monticello

Portraits of Professional Caregivers, Their Passion; Their Pain is an award winning documentary film about the impact of vicarious trauma, directed/co-produced by licensed social worker Vic Compher and Grammy award winner Rodney Whittenberg.

The film examines how vicarious trauma, also known secondary traumatic stress or compassion fatigue may affect any individual who provides care to traumatized or suffering people. The impact of secondary traumatic stress is shown through a series of first person stories that depict the professionals’ struggles and resilience. Social workers, therapists, doctors, nurses, psychologists and first responders (police, medics, and firefighters) are all highlighted in the film.

Director Vic Compher was inspired to produce this documentary while working in child protective services, because, as he states, “The general public is deluged daily with media about violence and tragedies, but has hardly an inkling about what it is like for the professionals themselves who reach out with empathy to care for traumatized adults or children.”

The film received a Silver Spotlight Award from the Atlanta Film festival, was featured at the Orlando International Film Festival, The Philadelphia ACES Film Festival and has been screened at national conferences for the American Public Health Association and The National Association of Social Workers Conference, among others.

About Portraits of Professional Caregivers: Portraits of Professional CAREgivers: Their Passion, Their Pain is a documentary film which takes the viewer on a journey into a world the public has not seen. The film depicts the dramatic emotional costs experienced by professional providers such as nurses, social workers, clinical psychologists, doctors, firefighters, first responders who rescue, assist, and when possible heal the injured and traumatized. Through dramatic stories, CAREgivers film probes the emotionally risky aspects of professional caregiving and public service.

The question the film brings to light is: Who indeed helps the helper? This documentary explores the painful and human sides of these helping professions and the professionals’ response to trauma known as Vicarious Trauma, Compassion Fatigue or Secondary Traumatic Stress.The film also illustrates the profound meaning many caregivers experience, sometimes referred to as compassion satisfaction, ways of coping and recovering resiliency in the workplace.

Attendees will screen the 75 minute film and participate in a 45 minute follow up discussion. Attendees must attend the entire event to receive the 2 CEUs.