Poster #32

Conceptualizing and Treating Vicarious Trauma Within Helping Professions: What Happens When Self-Care Is Not Enough

By: Kate Bunch and Alex Floyd

 
Conceptualizing and Treating Vicarious Trauma Within Helping Professions: What Happens When Self-Care Is Not Enough
 
 

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on the conceptualization and impact of vicarious trauma within the helping profession. Through a multi systemic lens we will identify the factors contributing to the development of vicarious trauma and how it affects individuals, agencies and the systems that they are a part of. Socio-cultural components are discussed as parts of the systemic influences being addressed. Participants will learn how to assess symptoms as well as identify action steps that can be taken to support helping professionals working within the field of complex trauma. Presenters will also review recent research on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted levels of burnout and secondary trauma. Participants will leave with an individualized support plan for how they can support both themselves, their agencies and systems they treat within.