Vicarious Trauma & Self-Care

Question 1

Q1: What is vicarious trauma, and how does it differ from secondary trauma?
A1:

Answer 1

Vicarious Trauma: Internal cognitive shifts resulting from empathetic engagement with others’ trauma.
Secondary Trauma: PTSD symptoms resulting from hearing or witnessing others’ trauma.

Question 2

Q2: What are some cognitive impacts of vicarious trauma on therapists?

Answer 2

Changes in schemas around safety, intimacy, trust, and power.
Shifts in frame of reference and independence.
Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares.

Question 3

Q3: What is burnout, and what are its key components?

Answer 3

Definition: Exhaustion from prolonged exposure to emotionally demanding experiences.
Components: Depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and reduced personal accomplishment.

Question 4

Q4: What are some embodied impacts of vicarious trauma?

Answer 4

Physical symptoms like nausea, headaches, and tension.
Emotional symptoms like hypervigilance and anxiety.
“Soul pain,” described as a deep, gut-wrenching ache.

Question 5

Q5: How can vicarious trauma affect relationships?

Answer 5

Withdrawal from personal relationships.
Difficulty maintaining intimacy and trust.
Struggles in establishing new connections.

Question 6

Q6: What are effective organizational strategies to mitigate vicarious trauma?

Answer 6

Comprehensive psychoeducation for staff.
Tiered support services, including counseling.
A supportive environment with clear communication and empowerment.

Question 7

Q7: How is self-care defined in this context?
A7:

Answer 7

Self-care is the ongoing practice of self-awareness and self-regulation to balance psychological, physical, and spiritual needs.

Question 8

Q8: What are some common barriers to self-care?

Answer 8

Feeling too busy or guilty.
Viewing self-care as selfish or indulgent.
Lack of self-awareness about the impact of workloads.
Cultural emphasis on self-sacrifice.

Question 9

Q9: What are examples of physical self-care practices?

Answer 9

Prioritizing sleep and nutrition.
Exercising regularly.
Attending health checkups.

Question 10

Q10: What is relational self-care, and why is it important?

Answer 10

Relational self-care focuses on meaningful connections, such as:

Spending time with loved ones and pets.
Scheduling regular social or family activities.
Being present and emotionally available in relationships.

Question 11

Q11: What are the psychological strategies for self-care?

Answer 11

Talking with others and debriefing.
Practicing mindfulness and meditation.
Seeking supervision, mentoring, or therapy.

Question 12

Q12: How does spirituality contribute to self-care?

Answer 12

Engaging in practices that align with beliefs and values.
Connecting with larger communities, such as churches or through activism.
Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and connecting with nature.

Question 13

Q13: What are some organizational factors that influence work-related stress?

Answer 13

Negative Factors: Poor communication, lack of consultation, and feeling undervalued.
Positive Factors: Clear communication, empowerment, and a sense of connectedness.

Question 14

Q14: What are some physical symptoms associated with vicarious trauma?

Answer 14

Nausea and stomach upset.
Headaches and body aches.
Sleep disturbances and chronic tension.

Question 15

Q15: How does posttraumatic growth relate to vicarious trauma?

Answer 15

While vicarious trauma can have negative effects, individuals may also experience growth, such as increased resilience, empathy, and a sense of purpose.

Question 16

Q16: What role does dose-response play in vicarious trauma?

Answer 16

The intensity and frequency of exposure to others’ trauma directly correlate with the severity of vicarious trauma experienced.

Question 17

Q17: What did research reveal about training for therapists and emergency personnel regarding trauma?

Answer 17

Many therapists and emergency responders receive limited training in trauma.

Comprehensive and interactive training is strongly desired to improve psychosocial care and personal resilience.

Question 18

Q18: How can creative expression aid in self-care?

Answer 18

Activities like art, music, drama, and dance can help process emotions and reduce stress.
Sharing and storytelling validate feelings and create connection.

Question 19

Q19: What are some practical steps for developing a self-care plan?

Answer 19

Identify activities that bring joy or relaxation.

Plan specific actions for daily, weekly, and monthly self-care.

Balance physical, psychological, relational, and spiritual practices.

Question 20

Q20: Why is co-regulation important for therapists?

Answer 20

Therapists need supportive relationships to co-regulate, especially when working with clients who struggle with self-regulation.

Connection with peers and friends is essential for emotional and physiological well-being.