Lifeline Booklet 2021 Specific to S3

WHAT IS VICARIOUS TRAUMA?

Trauma Principles Trauma is common and it can affect the brain and the way people relate and engage with other people. Behaviours resulting from trauma can be challenging. It is important to return to the question ‘what happened to you’ to move away from the judgement ‘what’s wrong with you’. Working with trauma is hard and takes a toll. It needs to be worked with in awareness and with a strong eye to the significant support needed for this work. Be mindful of the additional resources that are needed when working with trauma, both for you and for the client that you are working with. People overcoming complex trauma need significant support over a long period of time, and the support required may be well beyond the capacity of what you can offer. However, you can be sensitive to the impact of such experiences and be mindful of creating safety for clients that you may be working with. Note that we cannot remove the triggers for people’s trauma, however we can commit to working with them in the present and working toward returning them to safety if they feel unsafe at any point. Be mindful of communication and giving them a choice. Work collaboratively with clients and empower them to be involved in their treatment.

Vicarious trauma (VT) was coined by Pearlman & Saakvitne (1995) to describe the profound shift in world view that occurs in helping professionals when they work with clients who have experienced trauma. Helpers notice that their fundamental beliefs about the world are altered and possibly damaged by being repeatedly exposed to traumatic material. What to do if you recognise the signs in yourself? It can be hard to admit when we are struggling. Notice the stress and the impact of it. Notice what is happening in your body, with your thoughts. What helps? Are you doing the things that used to help or are you too busy? What can you do about it? Remember, if you burn out then everything STOPS . How can you slow down and prevent this?

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Helping Ourselves and Others