Compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among NeuroAffective Relational Model Therapists: How NARM serves as a protective factor for trauma therapists

Jennifer Vasquez; April C. Bowie-Viverette

doi:10.1921/swssr22326

Authors

Jennifer Vasquez Texas State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9201-0286
April C. Bowie-Viverette University of North Alabama https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7269-8987

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr22326

Keywords:

compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM), C-PTSD, developmental trauma

Abstract

The NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) is a therapeutic model created to address Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) integrating both top-down cognitive and bottom-up somatic approaches. With the addition of C-PTSD in the ICD-11, treatment models are needed that address the specific needs of clients with C-PTSD. Working with clients with complex trauma exposes therapists to secondary trauma which can lead to secondary traumatic stress and burnout, the elements of compassion fatigue. Trauma therapists also experience compassion satisfaction, which are positive feelings about making a difference in their work. Training is identified as a protective factor against compassion fatigue. This mixed methods analysis examined the compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction of NARM Therapists. The study found that NARM Therapists (n=53) experienced lower compassion fatigue and higher compassion satisfaction than other trauma workers. Using the ProQOL5 measure (Stamm, 2024), 84.9% of NARM Therapists scored low in burnout, 83% of NARM Therapists scored low in secondary traumatic stress, and 67.9% of NARM Therapists scored high in compassion satisfaction. The study revealed four themes that represent the phenomenon of the impact of NARM on compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue from the perspective of NARM Therapists: expending less effort, improved boundaries, increased energy, and enhanced confidence. How NARM serves a protective factor for trauma therapists is discussed.

Author Biographies

Jennifer Vasquez, Texas State University

Jennifer Vasquez, PhD, LCSW-S is a researcher, educator, and clinician specializing in trauma. Dr. Vasquez is Assistant Professor at Texas State University and Clinical Director at Inspired Practice LLC with 20 years of clinical experience in trauma, addiction, and healthcare. She serves on the National Association of Social Workers-TX Board and as Mental Health Delegate for the NASW Delegate Assembly. She researches integrative, trauma-informed approaches to recovery, resilience, and professional sustainability in clinical social work.

April C. Bowie-Viverette, University of North Alabama

April Viverette, PhD, LCSW, MBA is a scholar, clinician, and organizational leader with expertise in behavioral health, health equity, and healthcare management. She brings over two decades of experience to her roles in higher education and professional training, integrating research, leadership, and clinical social work practice. Dr. Viverette teaches in MSW, PhD, & Business programs and is committed to developing the next generation of these professionals through innovative education.

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