Film Review: Portraits of Professional Caregivers

Abstract

The documentary film Portraits of Professional Caregivers is comprised of many meaningful
narratives of child welfare workers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, social workers,
psychologists, hospice staff, nurses, and doctors. Their stories reveal how helping professionals,
while assisting clients or patients, may witness traumatic events, or be exposed to aversive
details of a traumatic event, and as a result, they may be profoundly affected. Empathy is a
characteristic that allows a caregiver to be attuned to their clients and their situations, and
this compassion and understanding may increase a professional’s risk of developing secondary
traumatic stress, burnout, or compassion fatigue. In addition to the documentary’s heartfelt
narratives, new and inspiring ideas about self-care, coping, safety plans, and supportive
organizational structures are outlined that are designed to promote and sustain the health and
well-being of caregivers.