An IRELA CLE Webinar

Compassion Fatigue: Sustaining the Professional Self

Dr. Diana Uchiyama, J.D., PsyD, CAADC

Executive Director - Lawyers' Assistance Program

MCLE approved for 1-hour Mental Health & Substance Abuse credit

Registration is Free for IRELA Members
Non-Members ~ $50*

Lawyers, like others in the helping professions, are at risk for experiencing compassion fatigue. Lawyers in certain practice areas, such as criminal, family, immigration, or juvenile law may be especially susceptible to compassion fatigue, as they are regularly exposed to human-induced trauma, and are called on to empathetically listen to victims’ stories, read reports and descriptions of traumatic events, view crime or accident scenes, and view graphic evidence of traumatic victimization. Those with high caseloads and those with a high capacity for empathy are also at risk for experiencing compassion fatigue. Participants in this program will: 

• Learn what Compassion Fatigue is;
• Understand why lawyers are vulnerable to Compassion Fatigue
• Learn professional hazards that contribute to Compassion Fatigue
• Learn how to become a more resilient attorney
• Learn methods to enhance or deplete professionals from a systemic viewpoint; and
• Learn coping strategies to minimize Compassion Fatigue and increase health and well being

Dr. Diana Uchiyama, JD, PsyD, CAADC

Dr. Diana Uchiyama is the Executive Director of the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program (LAP). Prior to joining LAP, she was the Administrator of Psychological Services for DuPage County and ran a licensed outpatient substance use treatment program, including a Mentally Ill Substance Abuse (MISA) program and Seeking Safety program for individuals with substance use problems, who were also trauma survivors. While at DuPage County she also ran a 26-week Domestic Batterer Intervention Program for a court mandated population of clients. 

Dr. Uchiyama has also worked for the Kane County Diagnostic Center, as both a Staff Psychologist and Juvenile Drug Court Coordinator, and has an extensive background doing court ordered evaluations including psychological, sanity, fitness, fitness to parent, and sex offender evaluations. She was also a licensed sex offender evaluator in the State of Illinois. She has implemented numerous changes to court ordered programs both in Kane and DuPage County and is a SAMSHA certified trauma informed care trainer. Dr. Uchiyama also conducts therapy with adults and adolescents, is a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and has an Advanced Mindfulness Training Certificate, teaching mindfulness skills to others in order to increase their wellbeing.

Prior to obtaining her masters and doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Uchiyama was an Assistant Public Defender in Cook County working in various felony courtrooms at 26th and California in Chicago for over a decade. She obtained her law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law.

She is a prolific writer and nationally recognized speaker in the areas of judicial/ lawyer/law student health and wellness issues throughout the country.

PCAM Course ID: 547807

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