Shari Botwin

In a world where those of us who care for others are often stretched to their limits, this keynote and workshop boldly confront the urgent need for healing, resilience, and self-care in the helping professions. Many of us in caregiving and social worker roles are ‘wounded healers’—individuals who have personally experienced trauma or adversity. Our own journeys with hardship often shape our empathy and commitment to supporting others.

This workshop will provide practical tools for managing stress, burnout, and secondary trauma in helping professions. Drawing from personal experience as a survivor, I will highlight the importance of self-care for professionals who support others while navigating their own healing.

Key objectives include equipping participants with strategies to manage their emotional well-being, develop effective coping mechanisms, and foster compassion and resilience in their work. Attendees will learn accessible self-care techniques, such as breathing exercises, and approaches for communicating compassionately with individuals facing trauma.

Additional takeaways emphasize the necessity of setting healthy boundaries, recognizing burnout symptoms, and understanding when to step back or say no. The session will reinforce that listening without judgment and prioritizing self-care are vital for sustained effectiveness and personal well-being. This workshop is especially beneficial for social workers and caregivers, supporting trauma-informed practice and promoting empathy, resilience, and quality care for vulnerable populations."