The Healing Power of Peer Support: What I Wish I’d Known Then…

As soon as I slipped into the office and shut the door, I started to cry. Outside, my colleagues laughed and joked at raunchy social media posts and videos. It’s not that I didn’t have a sense of humor—it’s that I didn’t fit in. I never did. Maybe it was the age difference. Perhaps it was because I was a vegan midwestern Gen-Xer smack dab in the middle of Northern California’s conservative cattle country. Or maybe it was just a rough time in my life in general and I was purposely isolating myself.

Struggling financially due to the economic downturn of 2008 and ready for a change, my husband and I had set out to California to start a new life. My excitement about living in the sunshine state and becoming an animal control officer soon faded when reality set in. I was lonely, depressed, broke, and heading toward serious burnout. Every day I left work feeling emotionally drained, only to have to go back in on many nights to handle crisis calls. The weight of the work was starting to feel unbearable. I was constantly on high alert, dealing with compassion fatigue, trauma, and grief, and I couldn’t catch my breath. I was completely overwhelmed, carrying this burden alone.   

The Hidden Struggle of Animal Welfare Workers

In the world of animal care, welfare, and activism, we’re expected to be a caregiver, an advocate, and a warrior for animals—24/7. Yet, those of us who dedicate our lives to helping animals often overlook the importance of caring for ourselves. We face trauma, loss, and emotional exhaustion—but it’s sometimes difficult to talk about these struggles openly. We don’t want to “trauma dump” on our loved ones, and many outside the field just “don’t get it.” But the truth is, without proper support, the emotional impact of this work can lead to serious consequences.

But what if you didn’t have to go through this alone?

Why Peer Support Works

This is where peer support becomes a lifeline. In fact, it’s scientifically backed as a powerful tool for healing. When you’re in a group of people who truly understand your struggles, you realize you’re not alone—and that feeling of connection can help you heal.

Here’s why peer support works:

• Shared experiences: Hearing others talk about their challenges and successes not only offers validation, but also allows you to see that what you’re going through is normal, and more importantly, it’s manageable.

  
  

• Mutual empathy: When you connect with others who have lived through similar emotional struggles, you’re more likely to feel heard and understood. That level of empathy can be deeply healing and can create a sense of belonging.

  
  

• Vulnerability and healing: In a safe, non-judgmental space, you can express your feelings and struggles without fear of judgment. The collective wisdom shared in these spaces gives everyone the opportunity to grow and recover together.

  
  

The Benefits of Group Coaching for Animal Welfare Workers

Group coaching can offer so much more than just individual guidance—it can provide the support system you’ve been craving. Here’s how it can make a difference for you:

• Structured, trauma-informed support: Group coaching provides a space where you can learn practical tools to manage compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, and burnout. Each session is designed to help you feel more empowered and equipped to handle the emotional toll of the work.

  
  

• Collective wisdom: In a group setting, participants come together with diverse backgrounds and experiences—yet with the same mission. You’ll gain new coping strategies and tools that you might not have thought of on your own.

  
  

• Increased resilience: Group coaching is proven to build resilience in ways that individual therapy or coaching can’t always achieve. The support of peers who truly understand can help you bounce back faster from setbacks and continue your work with renewed energy and passion.

  
  

• Community and connection: It’s hard to stay strong when you feel like you’re the only one carrying the emotional weight of your work—trust me, I know! Group coaching offers a sense of community, giving you the opportunity to form connections with others who understand the challenges you face daily. That connection is a powerful antidote to isolation.

  
  

How Group Coaching Can Help You Thrive

I created this group coaching program specifically for animal care, welfare, and activism professionals and volunteers who need a safe space to explore their struggles and develop sustainable ways to cope with the emotional demands of their work. This program is designed to offer you the peer support you need to heal, grow, and become more resilient.

In the program, you’ll find:

• Compassionate peer support from a small, intimate group of others who truly understand the emotional and psychological toll of animal work.

  
  

• Practical tools to manage your emotional well-being, build resilience, and prevent burnout.

  
  

• A safe, confidential space to share your experiences and receive support, encouragement, and healing.

  
  

• A community of like-minded professionals and volunteers who are committed to thriving—not just surviving—in the animal care, welfare, and activism fields.

  
  

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’ve been struggling with compassion fatigue or emotional exhaustion, I invite you to join our next group coaching program, starting the fall of 2025. This is a space where you can finally let your guard down, get the support you deserve, and begin the process of healing from compassion fatigue. Space is limited; click here to learn more or sign up for our Fall 2025 cohort.

-Jennifer Blough, LPC