By Alicia K. Hall
Vicarious trauma is a professional hazard of working with individuals who have trauma. In fact, Lanier and Carney (2019) found that almost 50% of counselors in their study experienced vicarious trauma as a result of their work. Vicarious trauma can lead to long-lasting, detrimental changes to counselors’ personal and professional well-being. Counselors experiencing vicarious trauma are also at higher risk for burnout, client endangerment, and even quitting the profession altogether. Signs of vicarious traumatization include (McCann & Pearlman, 1990):
· Increased negative emotions (e.g., anxiety, depression, irritability, increased anger, apathy, numbness, etc.)
· Disruptions in cognitive functioning (e.g., intrusive thoughts, cognitive distortions, changes in beliefs about self/others or the world)
· Negative behavioral changes (e.g., hypervigilance, isolation, relational problems, physical or psychosomatic symptoms, etc.)
· Changes in perceptual functioning (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares, visualization of clients’ trauma stories, etc.)
If we are highly likely to experience vicarious trauma, where does that leave us? Do we ignore the negative impact of vicarious trauma and just live with it? Do we secretly store it away inside, afraid of the repercussions it could have on our jobs? Do we push ourselves harder to power through it, believing we have to just be stronger to overcome it? These are all questions I have wrestled with during my 13 years as a counselor, and likely questions you are wrestling with now.
Vicarious trauma is not the end of the road, but the beginning of the journey towards vicarious transformation. Vicarious transformation is the positive change that occurs when we are healing from our vicarious trauma while witnessing our clients or students overcome their trauma (Pearlman & Saakvitne, 1995). We can be vicariously transformed by witnessing our clients’ and students’ courage, resilience, and perseverance! When we experience vicarious transformation, we may feel more hopefulness, peace, optimism, and empathy. We may experience more depth and fulfillment in our personal and professional relationships. Our spiritual or existential growth may expand. We may experience vicarious resilience, or an improved ability to tap into our own resilience as a result of witnessing our clients’ and students’ resilience. We may even find a greater sense of purpose, meaning, or fulfillment which can improve our sustainability as counselors.
How do we facilitate vicarious transformation in our lives? I offer that we begin with self-reflection. First, we need to be aware of our experiences with vicarious trauma. Start by asking yourself: “What impact does vicarious trauma have on me, my personal life, and my professional life?” Next, we can reflect on the positive changes that have occurred because of our work with individuals who have trauma. Begin by considering which areas of your life have been positively impacted by your work. Then reflect on moments you witnessed your clients’ and students’ resilience; how do those moments inspire you to be resilient? You can also spend some time considering what gives you purpose or fulfillment for doing trauma work. Recall what first influenced you to become a counselor. Or ask yourself questions like: “Why is this work meaningful for me?” or “What motivates me to continue being a counselor?” Lastly, reflect on what you need to facilitate your vicarious transformation. My hope is that we can embark on this journey of vicarious transformation together, heal from vicarious trauma, and continue to be passionate and fulfilled by the work we do with our clients and students who have trauma.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Alicia has been a clinical mental health counselor (LPCC-S) in Ohio since 2010. She specializes in trauma-informed and resiliency counseling practices, serving children, adults, and families. She is also passionate about counselor wellness and sustainability in the profession.