Burnout and compassion fatigue have become increasingly common in helping professions, caregiving roles, and everyday life. In this episode of Small Town Social Workers, Nathanael Ferguson, LMSW, and Kathleen Maynard, MSW, explore the differences between burnout and compassion fatigue, the warning signs that often go unnoticed, and practical strategies to protect your emotional well-being.

Together, they discuss why so many caregivers, social workers, foster parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and community helpers struggle to prioritize themselves while supporting others. Listeners will learn how chronic stress impacts the mind and body, how boundaries support sustainable compassion, and why self-care is more than bubble baths and days off.

Whether you’re feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed, or simply trying to maintain balance while helping others, this conversation offers validation, encouragement, and practical tools to help you continue caring for others without losing yourself in the process.

Remember: caring for yourself isn’t selfish, t’s essential.

Resources: NAMI - Compassion Fatigue & Burnout

On today’s episode of the Small Town Social Workers podcast, we’re joined by a special guest, Christina Marsh, to explore play therapy, including what it is, why play is so important in a child’s emotional development, and how it differs from traditional talk therapy. We’ll discuss what play therapy can look like across different age groups, the role parents and caregivers play in the therapeutic process, common misconceptions, and ways caregivers can support children throughout their healing journey. Whether you’re a parent, professional, or simply curious about children’s mental health, this episode highlights how play can foster connection, communication, resilience, and growth.

Youth sports can be a powerful space for growth, confidence, and connection. However, only when the environment is supportive. In this episode, we take an honest look at what it really means to be a “good” sports parent by exploring the impact of negative parental involvement, including sideline coaching, added pressure, and tying a child’s worth to performance.

We then shift the focus to practical, positive parenting strategies that help children thrive, both on and off the field. From emphasizing effort over outcomes to modeling emotional control, this conversation offers simple, meaningful ways parents can support their child’s development, build resilience, and keep the joy in the game.

Resources:

- https://drrobbell.com/best-sports-parents-6-ways-youre-doing-it-wrong/

- https://waynegoldsmith.substack.com/p/ten-lessons-for-every-sports-parent?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true