A free training summit aimed at professionals in caregiving and support roles will be held to shine a light on the emotional and psychological challenges that often go unspoken in the helping professions. Hosted by Seasons Center for Behavioral Health and led by Stephanne Thornton, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor, the event will offer practical tools to support personal well-being and career sustainability for those who care for others.
Helping professionals – from healthcare providers, social workers, and therapists to law enforcement, educators, and anyone in a helping profession – often experience the unintended consequences of exposure to others’ pain and trauma. The summit will explore these challenges, including vicarious trauma, empathy fatigue, burnout, and moral injury. Left unaddressed, these conditions can lead to emotional exhaustion, blurred boundaries, burnout, and even career dissatisfaction or departure from the field.
“Many professionals or caregivers don’t realize how deeply they’re affected by the stories they hear and the systems they navigate,” says Sarah Wurm, VP of Program Development & Specialized Services at Seasons Center. “This training is about giving people the language and tools to understand what they’re experiencing — as well as strategies to take care of themselves so they can continue to do this vital work.”
This event is ideal for anyone working in high-empathy roles — including social workers, clinicians, substance use counselors, case managers, educators, law enforcement, attorneys, first responders, and more.
Event Details:
- Thursday, September 25, 2025
- 1:00 – 4:00 PM
- Crossroads Pavilion Event Center, 301 34th, Sheldon, Iowa
- Cost: FREE
Registration is required to reserve your spot.
This training is more than professional development — it’s a step toward creating healthier, more resilient helping professionals who can continue to show up for others without losing themselves in the process.
For more details, please visit our website at seasonscenter.org/events or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SeasonsCenterForBehavioral.Health
