Exploring Attachment, Moral Injury, and Wellness in Animal Care Workers: Insights from Survey Research: Room A
Information
Recorded
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Location
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Cleveland State University Student Center
2121 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Define moral injury and describe its relevance within the context of animal welfare work.
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Identify at least 3 relevant factors influencing moral distress and overall mental health outcomes, based on survey data.
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Explain at least two key variables of interest for future research related to trauma, compassion fatigue, and moral injury.
Educational Goal
The educational goal of this workshop is for attendees to increase knowledge about the mental health of animal care workers and how to support their mental well-being.
Description
This presentation focuses on animal care workers’ lived experiences in Animal Protection and Welfare through the examination of research conducted in Summer 2024. Beyond the daily struggles of resource limitations, high workloads, and other practical challenges, animal care workers frequently encounter distressing scenarios that stem from values violations and moral distress when actions taken or not taken conflict with their deeply held beliefs. This workshop will present the findings of a comprehensive IRB-approved research study exploring exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs), moral injury outcomes, and overall mental health among U.S. animal care workers, including an examination of the role of attachment styles in these outcomes. Insights gained from this research can equip attendees to better support the mental health of animal care workers and can contribute to a deeper understanding of the varied challenges faced by animal care workers thereby helping to develop effective supports and inform future interventions.
Target Audience
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Veterinarian
Presenters
Dr. Jamie McNally (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma, moral injury, existential concerns, and wellness among those in animal care. She is the founder of Sycamore Counseling Services, a Michigan-based group practice, and Fortifyu, a coaching and wellness program for animal care workers. She is an EMDR trained provider, a certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist, a military veteran, and an active animal rescue volunteer and is currently completing certifications in Veterinary Social Work and Somatic Breathwork. She has served as an Assistant Professor and Department Chair of a Master of Arts in Counseling program and has conducted dissertation research and independent research on moral injury. She is passionate about helping those who have experienced animal-related traumas and losses find a deeper sense of joy, resilience, and overall well-being through the mind-body connection and through values-based and somatic exploration and processing.
Financially Sponsored By
- International Association of Veterinary Social Work