Managing

Vicarious Trauma

Presented byPenny Gordon

Presentation Outline

Origins of Vicarious Trauma (VT).

What is VT.

Contributing factors.

Potential impact.

Management strategies.

Definition Of Burnout

Burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work with people in some capacity.

(Maslach, Jackson, & Leiter, 1996)

Symptoms Of Burnout

Affective e.g., depressed mood, emotional exhaustion.Cognitive e.g., poor concentration.Physical e.g., headaches, sleep disturbances.Behavioural e.g., poor work performance.Motivational e.g., loss of idealismOne core indicator is consistently identified – exhaustion.

Definition Of Vicarious

Traumatisation (VT)

VT is the transformation of the worker’s inner experience as a result of empathic engagement with clients and their trauma material.

(Pearlman & Saakvitne, 1995)

Characteristics Of Vicarious Trauma

Cumulative.

Inevitable.

Developmental.

Modifiable.

Factors Contributing To

Vicarious TraumaNature of work.

Nature of clientele.

Nature of work setting.

Nature of the helper.

Nature of the social/cultural/ political context.

(Saakvitne, Pearlman, & TSI Staff, 1996)

Signs And Symptoms Of

Vicarious Trauma

Behavioural.

Physical.

Cognitive.

Affective.

Frame of reference.

Vicarious Traumatisation:

Psychological Impacts

Safety.

Intimacy.

Self esteem.

Control.

Trust.

(Saakvitne, Pearlman, & TSI Staff, 1996)

Organisational Strategies

A team culture of self and group care.Planning and working for the long haul.Creating a safe environment to express feelings.Valuing socialising, fun and humour.Education and workshops re VT.Ensuring some nontrauma component of work.

Individual StrategiesSelf Care

Physical.

Psychological.

Emotional.

Spiritual.

Workplace/Professional.

Characteristics Of Emotional

Intelligence

Knowing one’s emotions – self awareness.Managing emotions.Motivating oneself.Recognising emotions in others.Handling relationships.

(Goleman, 1998)

Making A Personal Commitment To Self:

Why?

Because I can get hurt.

Because I matter.

Because my clients matter.

Because the work I do matters.

Making A Personal Commitment To Self:

How?

Not alone – get a buddy or a group.One day at a time.One change at a time.Use a variety of self care strategies.Increase consciousness and self acceptance.Don’t forget and don’t give up.

Self Care Plan

Self care strategies I currently practice.Potential new strategies.What will help me implement these?What will get in the way?How will I know when I have been successful at managing my self care?

ReferencesGoleman, D. (1998). Emotional Intelligence. New York: Bantam Books.Maslach, C., Jackson, S.E., & Leiter, M. (1996) Maslach Burnout Inventory Manual (3rd ed.).Saakvitne, K.W., Pearlman, L.A., & Staff of the Traumatic Stress Institute (1996). Transforming the pain: A workbook for professionals. New York: Norton.Pearlman, L. A., & Saakvitne, K. W. (1995). Trauma and the therapist: Countertransference and vicarious traumatisation in psychotherapy with incest survivors. New York: Norton.