Online Self-Study Course

You can feel good, while you do good!

Yes, the work is really challenging, but you don’t have to suffer in order to help animals. It is possible to be well, while you care for people and animals in need. And you don’t have to figure out how to do that on your own.

Imagine a place where the unique challenges of animal care work are understood and there are tons of resources and tools to help you learn how to take of yourself, while you’re making a difference in the world.

That’s what Compassion in Balance is all about.

Almost all of us who work or volunteer with animals experience compassion fatigue at some point in our careers. Even though it’s a normal reaction to the stress of our work, most of us feel alone and don’t know what to do to help ourselves feel better.

If you’re angry, tired, sad, or overwhelmed by the impact your work is having on you, this class can help.

“I’m SO relieved to recognize and better understand what was causing me such distress and know there are solutions and support and I’m not alone. Finding this self-study class and Jessica’s teachings has brought me a new level of peace I’m truly grateful for. Also very much appreciated are the book suggestions, related supportive websites, organizations and tools included in the class.” Chris, Nurse Clinical Documentation specialist and NPO President pet owner support organization

Compassion in Balance is a unique online, self-study class – the first of its kind –  designed specifically to help animal care workers like you to better understand what compassion fatigue is, how to manage stress, engage in self-care practices, and increase resiliency.

“I have been working in the animal world for 15 years, the last 8 as a vet tech, and more and more I was feeling bogged down and suffocating with no way of getting out from under it. This class helped me in ways I didn’t know I needed or could be helped. It really made me aware of my body and what it was trying to tell me and how to deal with the emotions and feelings in a constructive way.” – Samantha, Head Technician

Here’s What You’ll Get:

• The 6 Question Process (you’ll learn six strategies research has shown reduces and transforms compassion fatigue-related stress)
• All Lessons Available Right Now, 100% Online
• 6 Modules with Videos, Integration Activities, & Worksheets
• Three Recorded Calls with Jessica Dolce (one with Ellen Dolce LCSW)
• Team Discussion Prompts
• Certificate of Completion
• 50+ page Interactive Workbook with Recorded Meditations
• Access to Private FB Group for Ongoing Support

Does that feel overwhelming? If you only do the first lesson, you’ll start to feel better. I swear. That’s what lots of people tell me. And you can come back for the rest whenever you’re ready.

Please see Terms and Conditions before purchasing. 

By the End of Class You’ll Have:

• Relief! You’ll know you’re in good company and you’ll know how to move forward.
• 6 strategies to help you manage compassion fatigue for the rest of your life
• A personalized self-care toolkit/workbook that you can always refer back to for support
• Your personal mission statement to guide you in this challenging work
• SMART goals to help you make lasting changes in your behavior
• Self-care and stress management techniques that work for you
• Simple meditation practices you can use every day to restore your balance
• A clear understanding of how and when to get professional mental health help
• Ideas for how to collaborate with your staff and coworkers
• A supportive online Facebook community that’s always there for you!

The Lessons:

Lesson One: Compassion Fatigue Groundwork
You’ll dive in deep to understand what Compassion Fatigue is and what the symptoms are in individuals and in organizations. You’ll get familiar with your own experiences, what factors contribute to CF, and assess your current levels of CF and burnout.

Lesson Two: Taking Stock of Stress This is dedicated to understanding your individual signs of stress and coping methods. You’ll work to create a personalized system to help you monitor and manage your daily stress levels.

Lesson Three: Self Care Strategies
Next you’ll jump in to the importance of self-care and map out a variety of practices that can be used on the job and at home. You’ll begin to lay the framework of your own self-care plan.

Lesson Four: The Rewards of the Work
This module is dedicated to connecting to the rewards of our work and shifting your perspective to a more positive outlook in order to increase your Compassion Satisfaction.

Lesson Five: Resiliency Building
Next you’ll focus on resiliency building techniques, including mindfulness practices, which will help you bounce back from the inevitable stress of your work. You’ll also look at coping with what you can’t control.

Lesson Six: Taking Action
In the final module, you’ll be working on setting SMART goals and crafting a personal mission statement to help keep you motivated as you take your new skills into the future!

How much does it cost? $49. 

This class is NOT a substitution for professional mental health care. If you’re suffering from clinical depression, anxiety, or are having suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help.

Here’s what more people are saying:

Who created and teaches the class?

I’m Jessica Dolce, MS CCFE a certified compassion fatigue educator, dog walker, writer, coach, and the creator of DINOS. I’ve spent my entire career caring for companion animals as a dog walker, animal shelter volunteer and employee, and animal welfare advocate.

And I’ve experienced compassion fatigue and burnout firsthand! I built this class because I want to make sure others have access to the tools and information that I wish I’d known about. If you’re working to make the world a better place for animals then you’re my heroes and I want to support you. That’s why this class exists! You can learn more about me here.

Guest Teacher:

Ellen Dolce LCSW joins us for a (recorded) call about seeking mental health. Ellen has decades of experience working as a licensed clinical social worker and as a life coach as well. She’s also my mom and I think she’s too awesome to keep all to myself!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Compassion Fatigue?

Compassion fatigue can be described as the physical and emotional exhaustion that arises from the constant demand to be compassionate and effective in helping those in need and who are suffering. It’s the natural consequence of stress resulting from caring for traumatized people and animals. The individual symptoms of compassion fatigue are numerous and varied, but may include: anger, loss of empathy, isolation, and sadness.

What does Compassion In Balance mean?

Through this course, we’ll be working to restore some balance in our lives by learning to give to ourselves with as much enthusiasm and compassion as we give to others. We’re learning to be good to ourselves, while we do good in the world. As John Wilson says, “It’s important to counterbalance the intensity of the work you do.”

Who should take this class? And why?
Anyone working or volunteering with animals is welcome. Veterinarians and vet techs, dog trainers, animal shelter and rescue workers, animal protection officers, foster families – if you work or volunteer with animals and want to learn more about compassion fatigue, how to make a plan for self care, and put it into practice, then this class is for you.

This is your journey to take. It’s a personal exploration. Throughout the class, you’ll build self-awareness, so that you can take better care of yourself and transform your relationship to your work with animals.

This is work only you can do. It’s reflective, honest, and it can be emotionally challenging at times. But that edge is where change happens.

The focus of CIB is on how you feel, what you can do to make a positive impact for yourself at home and at work, and on learning how to build your internal resources. We’re taking responsibility for ourselves and throwing a self-care party in the process!

Why bother? Because when your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met, it allows you to engage in more ethical, effective, and sustainable work. And did I mention, it’ll help you feel less stressed? That’s pretty great too.

What do I need to take this class?

A computer and the internet. If you’d like to be a part of the (optional) Facebook group, then an account there is needed. Plus, a journal and pen would be cool too.

Do I need to download anything?

No. The class is offered in an online classroom called Ruzuku. All you need to do is sign up for the class and create an account on Ruzuku (it’s free). And yes. There are PDFs to download.

How will the class be delivered?

When you enroll, you’ll get access to all six lessons right away. You’ll get a welcome email that contains links to all the content and you can access that in the Ruzuku classroom.

Can I take this class anonymously? 

Sort of. I’ll know who you are through the registration process (and will keep that information private). This is important because I can’t approve you to join our private Facebook group (which is optional) unless I know your name. Otherwise, no one will know. It’s our secret.

I’m so busy. How much time will the class take?

You have a full year to explore the lessons. You can do it all in 4-8 weeks or take your time and do a little each month. So if life gets in the way, you’ll have plenty of time to return to the class.

Do I have to be in class at certain times?

Nope!

Do you offer refunds or a guarantee?

No, I do not offer refunds. I offer a fun and challenging learning experience, but I do not guarantee specific results, as participants will come to this course in all different phases of life, types of businesses, and varying levels of self-awareness. You are responsible for integrating and implementing the course materials in whatever way works best for you at this time.

Can I purchase this class for my staff or as a gift for someone else?

Yes! That’s very nice of you to do! Ruzuku explains how to pay for a class as a gift for someone else here. 

When you purchase the class, a form email will automatically be generated welcoming the new student into the class. So when you pay, they’ll know they’ve been enrolled in the class without any delay. Then they can access the class and change their login information.

Organizations enrolling multiple staff members can purchase team registrations in the online store.

After I hit purchase, what happens?

Watch your inbox for a confirmation email with links to get started!

I think I’m experiencing compassion fatigue because I’m the owner and caregiver of a pet with medical or behavioral issues. Is this the right class for me?

No, but I have an online class for that too! Check out Living with DINOS.

Can I take this class if I don’t work or volunteer with animals, but experience compassion fatigue because of my work in a different helping profession? 

Yes, you sure can. But be warned: this class in 100% animal-focused, meaning all the examples I use and some of the handouts are specific to working in animal-related professions. However all of the compassion fatigue strategies are helpful, no matter where you work, so anyone will benefit.

If you have any further questions, please contact me: jessica@jessicadolce.com