It’s Not All Good: When the Helper Becomes the Victim (N/NY-PS6282)
Papers
Janet Kempf, MA, ATR-BC
Janet Kempf resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has been working on an adult behavioral health unit for over 14 years. A significant portion of her art therapy career has also been spent working with older adults at a retirement community. She received her M.A. in Art Therapy from the University of Louisville in 2001. She presently Chair of the Accreditation Council for Education (ACATE).
Very few discussions occur regarding direct or indirect harm that happens to helping professionals on the job. For some helpers, direct harm is thought to be an occupational hazard. However, it is important for the helper to recognize and respond to potentially harmful behavior, and have knowledge of agency policy, professional ethical guidelines, and the law. The presenter will interject personal experiences from a physical assault and the aftermath with the hope that such information will help to protect others in the helping professions.