Draft - companion blog post for 'when caring hurts'

Opening Section:

• Brief intro that references the episode (for context) but immediately pivots to "here's what we're doing today"
• Frame it as: "If you listened to Episode 18, you heard why this matters. Now let's talk about how to actually do something about it."

Section 1: Know Where You Are (Visual + Self-Assessment)

• Infographic showing the compassion fatigue cycle/progression
• Visual comparison chart: Burnout vs. Compassion Fatigue vs. Vicarious Trauma
• Quick self-assessment quiz or checklist readers can screenshot/print
• Nervous system dysregulation signals as a downloadable one-pager

Section 2: Your Weekly Rhythm Chart - The Deep Dive

• Show an example (maybe a sanitized version of yours?)
• Step-by-step instructions on how to create and use it
• Downloadable blank template (PDF and maybe an editable version)
• Tips for what to track and why
• How to use it to identify patterns and set boundaries

Section 3: The Compassion Fatigue Workbook - What to Expect

• What the book actually contains (so people know before buying)
• 2-3 specific exercises you found most helpful (described, not reproduced)
• Who this book is and isn't for
• Direct purchase link
• Alternative free resources if cost is a barrier

Section 4: Trauma Resiliency Training - Making It Happen

• Trauma Resources Institute (TRM Training)
  • What it covers
  • Cost and time commitment
  • Format options
  • Direct link
• Community Resilience Initiative
  • What they offer (adult/kid resources)
  • Training details
  • Direct link
• The Professional Development Pitch
  • Template email/conversation starter for asking your employer to fund training
  • How to frame it as benefiting the organization
  • What to do if they say no (alternative funding, payment plans, etc.)

Section 5: Specific Grounding Techniques You Can Use Today

• 3-5 concrete techniques explained clearly
• When to use each one
• Maybe a simple infographic showing breath patterns for regulation
• Downloadable "grounding techniques" card they can keep at their desk

Section 6: Holiday Survival Toolkit (Downloadable)

• Create a one-page PDF "Emergency Kit" with:
  • Warning signs checklist
  • Three quick grounding techniques
  • Boundaries you can set this week
  • Your crisis contacts/resources
  • Reminder that rest = resistance

Section 7: The Boundaries That Actually Stick

• Specific examples with scripts:
  • "I need to tag out on this case"
  • "I can't take on new clients right now"
  • Saying no to holiday overtime
  • Ending sessions on time
• How to handle pushback
• Why these aren't selfish

Section 8: Finding Therapy for Helpers

• Why therapists need therapists
• How to find sliding-scale options
• What to look for in a therapist who gets this work
• Questions to ask in initial consultations

Closing Section:

• Link back to the podcast episode
• Invitation to share what tools they're trying
• Call to action: subscribe, share, connect

Complete Resource Package:

1. Weekly Rhythm Chart (Blank Template) - A fillable version of your personal chart with checkboxes, capacity check-ins, and structured prompts for weekdays, evenings, and weekends
2. Compassion Fatigue Self-Assessment - A comprehensive checklist organized by categories (Physical, Emotional, Cognitive, Behavioral, Relational) with scoring guidance and next steps
3. Nervous System Dysregulation Signals - A visual guide showing four zones (Regulated, Hyperarousal, Hypoarousal, Critical) with specific signals and interventions for each
4. Holiday Survival Toolkit - A compact, practical guide with warning signs, quick grounding techniques, boundary scripts, emergency contacts, and strategic sustainability moves
5. Grounding Techniques Quick Reference Card - A pocket-sized card (5x7 printable) with 7 techniques, when to use each, and space for emergency contacts
6. Professional Development Funding Request Template - Three different formats (formal email, informal email, in-person script) with tips for success, ROI arguments, and what to do if they say no
7. Burnout vs. Compassion Fatigue Infographic - A comprehensive visual comparison of all three conditions (burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma) with definitions, symptoms, key differences, overlap explanation, and specific interventions

All resources are:

• Print-friendly
• Visually organized with color-coding
• Designed to be saved/referenced repeatedly
• Action-oriented with practical next steps

Visual Elements Throughout:

• Pull quotes from your episode (formatted nicely)
• Icons or simple graphics to break up text
• Color-coding for different types of resources (free vs. paid, immediate vs. long-term, etc.)
• Boxes/callouts for key information
• Maybe a visual "decision tree" - "If you're feeling X, try Y resource"