Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers

If you work with animals in veterinary medicine or animal welfare and sometimes feel the effects of compassion fatigue then this podcast is for YOU! Your host, Julie Squires, Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist and Life Coach is all about helping you feel better by teaching you the tools you need to balance your work and your life and to have exceptional mental and emotional health so you can continue to help animals and make a difference in their lives.

Ep# 269 Conscious Compartmentalization 04/25/2024

Ep# 269 Conscious Compartmentalization "Compartmentalization is a defense mechanism in which people mentally separate conflicting thoughts, emotions, or experiences to avoid the discomfort of contradiction" according to Psychology Today. I believe compartmentalization can be an effective coping strategy for people who work in the emotionally charged fields of vet med, animal welfare and lab animal research. But it has to be conscious. Listen and learn what I mean by that. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/30960028

Ep# 268 Mindset & CBT 04/18/2024

Ep# 268 Mindset & CBT Understanding the interconnectedness of your thoughts, feelings and behavior is the key to self-awareness and empowerment. We all just want others to behave differently so we can feel better. That's the long way. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/30876203

Ep#267 Different Brains: A Conversation with Nicole Clausen CSSGB, CCFP 04/11/2024

Ep#267 Different Brains: A Conversation with Nicole Clausen CSSGB, CCFP Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. (Harvard Health Publishing) Understanding that not everyone's brain works the same is the crux of this interview I have with Nicole Clausen, founder of Veterinary Care Logistics, an inventory management company. You can find out more about Nicole's company, Veterinary Care Logistics at: Book recommendations by Nicole: Here are my 3(ish) book recs: (extra one for personal/romantic relationships) "Us" by Terrence Real "The Mountain is You" or "This is How You Heal" by Brianna Wiest "Unmasking Autism" by Devon Price "The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control" by Katherine Morgan Schafler /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/30773343

Ep# 266 "Just" A Mouse 04/04/2024

Ep# 266 "Just" A Mouse Euthanizing animals brings up a plethora of emotions including compassion, guilt and doubt. What your relationship is with the animal also tends to dictate what emotional path you may go down. Pet owner, veterinary professional and animal welfare personnel may all feel a different level or attachment or detachment. But what about lab animal professionals? These folks work with research animals to find cures, therapies, discoveries and innovations that extend lives to humans and animals. So how do the folks that dedicate their lives to lab animal research cope with the levels of euthanasia they perform? Especially if it's "just" a mouse. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/30672663

Ep# 265 Professionals Don't Cry...Or Do They? 03/28/2024

Ep# 265 Professionals Don't Cry...Or Do They? This week I'm sharing two of my favorite readings. One's that speaks to why as an animal professional you need to make space for grief. This is from Dr. Rachel Remen's "Kitchen Table Wisdom" book and this chapter is aptly named "Professionals Don't Cry". Also in the episode I read from John Roedel's "Remedy", poem #37. Registration is currently open for my 6-month online group for women veterinarians, Living A Life You Love. This group runs April-September and you can get all the info Registration closes on March 29, 2024 at 11:59pm ET. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/30573583

Ep# 264 Should You Try Meds? 03/21/2024

Ep# 264 Should You Try Meds? I recently received an email asking me to do a podcast about how to decide whether or not to take meds for mental health issues. So I put my thoughts together in addition to a client testimonial of one of my 1:1 clients who did try meds and what their experience was. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/30468823

Ep# 263 4 Years Later: Reflections on the Pandemic 03/14/2024

Ep# 263 4 Years Later: Reflections on the Pandemic 4 years ago this week, the work came to a halt as COVID-19 spread across the globe creating havoc, chaos and a tremendous loss. As someone who cares for animals, you stepped up in such a profound way to figure out how to continue to provide care for animals. It's time to stop and reflect on what we learned and also what we've forgotten as we've resumed our lives post-pandemic. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/30365023

Ep # 262 Your Money Mindset 03/07/2024

Ep # 262 Your Money Mindset What you think about money is the basis for your relationship with money. Most people who don't have the financial results that they want can usually trace it back to a limiting belief they have about money based on how they were raised around money and what society has told them about what they can earn, save and/or spend. This episode will help you uncover what your current thinking about money is and how you can change it. I mention Dr. Grace Kim from Richer Life DVM, here is her contact info. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/30263943

Ep# 261 Rocks, Pebbles and Sand 02/29/2024

Ep# 261 Rocks, Pebbles and Sand Life can get crazy busy and the things that matter the most can inadvertently get lost. This week I want to share with you an exercise that can help you reassess, redecide and recommit to what matters most and also what matters least (as well as all the stuff in between!). /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/30159158

Ep# 260 Patience 02/22/2024

Ep# 260 Patience As a New Yorker, we're not known for our patience and I'm not exception. I work hard on this and had an experience recently that allowed me to see how far I've come. I think patience can best be described by this quote, "Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in your mind." /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/30054778

Ep # 259 The Power of Inquiry with Dr. Stef Skupin 02/15/2024

Ep # 259 The Power of Inquiry with Dr. Stef Skupin We all have tons of thoughts and beliefs that we just take as true, never stopping to question any of them. And these same thoughts and beliefs are the cause of a tremendous amount of suffering. Most include the word "should". They should, we should, I should and you should. Rarely does "shoulding" feel good or lead to connection. Inquiry is a practice of self-realization whereby we explore what is at the root of our suffering, our mind. When we are willing to look at, question and see the results of our thinking, we can find an end to our suffering. This is freedom. You can find out more about Dr. Step Skupin at her website https://theleaderswork.com/. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/29963048

Ep# 258 Entitlement 02/08/2024

Ep# 258 Entitlement We've likely all felt entitled from time to time. Entitlement is when we feel like we inherently deserve something, special privileges or have the right to having something. The promotion, respect from others and lighting speed wifi to name a few. So here's what to do about it in ourselves and in our workplaces if it's rearing it's ugly head at work. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/29850068

Ep# 257 The 3 P's of Pessimism 02/01/2024

Ep# 257 The 3 P's of Pessimism We've all had those moments where it feels like the walls are caving in on us and we can't muster an optimistic attitude. Pessimism consists of 3 distinct attributes (the 3 P's) that once you are aware of, you can use to unwind yourself from it's negative grip. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/29743623

Ep# 256 When Animal Lovers Become Human Haters 01/25/2024

Ep# 256 When Animal Lovers Become Human Haters We're drawn to working with animals for many altruistic reasons. Then why can we be so cruel to our fellow humans sometimes? In this episode I'm talking about making generous assumptions about our fellow humans and using the Socratic method of questioning when we do want to speak out. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/29638078

Ep# 255 Your Nervous System with Therapist Allison Johanson 01/18/2024

Ep# 255 Your Nervous System with Therapist Allison Johanson In today's episode I'm speaking to therapist Allison Johanson about the nervous system. Understanding the nervous system has been a really important part of my personal development and the work I'm doing with my private clients. Today we are talking about Polyvagal Theory! You can find out more about Allison at her website: / Allison's resource, Connecting Deep: A Guide to Building Resilience Through Reflection /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/29538843

Ep# 254 The Two C's: Curiosity & Criticism 01/11/2024

Ep# 254 The Two C's: Curiosity & Criticism Curiosity and criticism are two opposing forces. One leads to self-discovery, the other to self-judgment, condemnation and staying small in your life. This episode will teach you all the reasons and benefits of choosing curiosity over criticism. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/29435028

Ep# 253 The Year Ahead 01/04/2024

Ep# 253 The Year Ahead After last week's episode you've likely been itching to start looking ahead and thinking about the kind of year you want 2024 to be. As with last week's episode, Year Review, this episode is complete with 10 questions to ask yourself and my answers to those same questions. You can get those questions . /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/29229713

Ep # 252 Year Review 12/28/2023

Ep # 252 Year Review At the end of the year It's customary to reflect on the previous year. Look at your wins, your losses, your challenges and your achievements as a way to create closure for all that 2023 was. In Rekindling fashion I've created 10 questions for you to ask yourself. In this episode I walk you through my answers. You can find the 10 questions for your Year Review . /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/29220193

Ep# 251 Nervous System Co-Regulation 12/21/2023

Ep# 251 Nervous System Co-Regulation In working with animals you understand the power of the nervous system. When an animal is anxious, you intuitively know how to calm them using your own balanced energy. In essence, this is co-regulation and you have the ability to do this not only with animals, but with people too. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/29176888

Ep# 250 Grief And The Holidays 12/14/2023

Ep# 250 Grief And The Holidays The holiday season often conjures images of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for many, this time can also serve as a brutal reminder of loss and the ache of grief. Whether it's the absence of a loved one, the strain of fractured relationships, or the weight of unmet expectations, the holidays can magnify the complexities of grief. Please join me on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 @ 7 pm EST for a webinar I'm calling "Grieving Together: Support During The Holidays" Registration link: /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/29068598

Ep# 249 Veterinary Social Work with Emily Carveth 12/07/2023

Ep# 249 Veterinary Social Work with Emily Carveth Today I'm speaking with Veterinary Social Worker and therapist Emily Carveth about all things vet med and other challenges in animal organizations. You'll want to hear this convo! Emily's VSW website, BOOP Veterinary Social Work Consulting: Emily's therapy website (practice is called Spoken Balance): Instagram: @boopveterinaryconsulting Emily's mentor, Tawanna Woolfolk of Sacred Ground Institute: Emily's Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Sandrine Harris of Emergent Nature: /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/28959118

Ep #248 Holiday Intentions 11/30/2023

Ep #248 Holiday Intentions We're now officially in the holiday season! You get to decide what kind of holiday season to have. If you approach it with dread, it's not going to be enjoyable. But with intention you can decide what you want you might want to let go of that isn't bringing you joy during the holiday season or what you might want to start doing that does bring you joy. Here are the 10 questions I created to help you create the holiday season you crave. 1.What holiday traditions bring me the most joy, and how can I prioritize and incorporate them into this year's celebrations? 2.How can I balance my commitments and prioritize self-care during this busy season? 3.What new activities or experiences can I explore during the holidays to bring novelty and excitement to the season? 4.Who are the people I cherish spending time with the most during the holidays, and how can I create meaningful connections with them? 5.In what ways can I practice gratitude and mindfulness to appreciate the beauty and essence of the holiday season? 6.What are my expectations for the holidays, and how can I adjust them to reduce stress and focus on enjoying the present moment? 7.How can I contribute to spreading joy and kindness to others during the holiday season? 8.What boundaries do I need to set to maintain my well-being and mental health during this potentially hectic time? 9.What strategies can I employ to manage holiday-related stress, whether it's through time management, relaxation techniques, or seeking support? 10.What are the most cherished memories I want to create this holiday season, and how can I make deliberate efforts to ensure those moments happen? /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/28855663

Ep# 247 Focusing On What's Good 11/23/2023

Ep# 247 Focusing On What's Good Realizing what's good in our life doesn't actually come naturally. Seeing what's wrong does. You can thank your brain for that! It's just our negativity bias getting in the way of us experiencing more joy. The great news is that you can (and must) override your negativity bias by intentionally looking for, recognizing and dwelling in what's good in your life. Here's where you can get the 30 prompts to help you focus on what's good. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/28748753

Ep# 246 The Power of Journaling 11/16/2023

Ep# 246 The Power of Journaling The simple act of putting pen to paper has enormous benefits to one's mental and emotional health. So why do we all fight it so much? In this episode I'll discuss: -proven benefits to journaling -different ways to journal -obstacles to journaling -ways to overcome those obstacles By the end of this episode, you'll be running to get your journal....and starting to reap all the benefits that come with this simple, accessible and affordable practice of self-care. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/28654973

Ep # 245 The Other C Word: Conflict (Interview with Angie Childers) 11/09/2023

Ep # 245 The Other C Word: Conflict (Interview with Angie Childers) Many animal workers are conflict avoidant. We have deep-seated fears about conflict and therefore avoid it at all costs. What ensues is triangular conversations (she said/he said) that keep our relationships and our personal growth stuck. Today I interview Angie Childers, Life Coach specializing in Leadership, Team Building and Communication. You don't want to miss this one!!! Find out more about Angie at her website Her podcast, Detour Insights can be found on her website and Spotify. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/28560893

Ep # 244 Wanting To Be Liked 11/02/2023

Ep # 244 Wanting To Be Liked We all want to be liked but few of us really understand what we stand to lose when we prioritize wanting to be liked over being who we are. The truth is that when you are authentic and are living in integrity, some people won't like you. Decide whose opinion really does matter in your life and whose isn't really that important anyway. This episode will teach you so much about finding the courage to be disliked. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/28489613

Ep # 243 Disenfranchised Grief 10/26/2023

Ep # 243 Disenfranchised Grief There's a name for grief we don't feel like we're allowed to have or that is not acknowledged by society, it's called disenfranchised grief. It's what I've felt this week in the wake of the loss of Esther The Wonder Pig. I never "met" Esther and yet feel the deep sorrow as the result of her passing. I'm sure many of her 1.5 million followers do too. Disenfranchised grief is what you may feel for a patient of yours that dies, an animal that gets adopted from your shelter or a research animal you've had to euthanize. It's legitimate grief and this episode will help you understand it and yourself more. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/28425785

Ep# 242 Social Media & Mental Health 10/19/2023

Ep# 242 Social Media & Mental Health I believe social media should come with a warning similar to what alcohol and cigarettes do. CAUTION: Engaging with this could be harmful to your mental health. Especially when we are already feeling vulnerable due to burnout and compassion fatigue that comes with your work of helping animals. Awareness is imperative. Know yourself and when it's not a good idea to engage and curate your feed so that it's content, people and groups that lift you up. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/28334432

Ep# 241 Embracing Unproductivity 10/12/2023

Ep# 241 Embracing Unproductivity In this age of hustle culture, overwhelm and anxiety, it's no wonder we're burning out in record numbers. We've equated being "productive" with success. I've got news for you, the two have nothing to do with each other! I want to invite you to consider "unproductivity", the concept of resting, doing leisure activities and perhaps just goofing off. You'll have to fight your inner critic though because it's been gathering opinions of others for decades about how if you're not being productive, you're a horrible human and even worse.....lazy! Let's blow it all up and redecide! /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/28289651

Ep # 240 Managing Guilt 10/05/2023

Ep # 240 Managing Guilt Guilt is an emotion that is no stranger to animal workers. Those that work to improve the lives of animals can be exceptionally hard on themselves and often find themselves wrestling with feelings of guilt. And guilt can be one of those emotions that we need some strategies to help loosen it's grip on our psyche. /episode/index/show/rekindling/id/28230230

Rekindling: Compassion Fatigue Solutions for Animal Workers

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