Client fatigue: staying empathic without burning out

Client‑facing work is often meaningful and taxing. Empathy is renewable—but not infinite. Without deliberate resets, each interaction draws from a shrinking pool.

Protect the channel that carries empathy

• Debrief & supervision: Regular peer check‑ins reduce isolation.
• Rotation: Rotate demanding cases where feasible to spread load.
• Reset ritual: 2–5 minutes to write a note, breathe, or walk.
• Boundaries: Set response windows; avoid 24/7 partial attention.

Small cues of recovery

• Empathy returns between sessions
• You can recall client strengths, not just risks
• Work stays at work more often

Compassion fatigue is not a character flaw. It’s a capacity problem solved by recovery and supported environments.