What Impact Does Providing Trauma Care Services Have on Individuals Who Provide Them During Therapies? By Moses Chris
Brief Overview
Providing trauma care services can have a profound impact on individuals who deliver them, particularly during therapies. As mental health professionals, therapists, and caregivers work to support survivors of trauma, they may also experience secondary traumatic stress (STS), also known as compassion fatigue or vicarious trauma (Newman, 2019).
The Risks of Secondary Traumatic Stress
STS can manifest in various ways, including emotional exhaustion, decreased empathy, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment (Figley, 1995). According to the American Psychological Association (APA), STS can lead to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and even physical health problems (APA, 2020).
The Impact on Mental Health Professionals
Research suggests that mental health professionals, including therapists and counselors, are at high risk of experiencing STS (Bosc, 2018). A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that therapists who worked with trauma survivors reported higher levels of STS and burnout compared to those who worked with non-trauma populations (Bae, 2018).
The Role of Self-Care and Support
To mitigate the risks of STS, mental health professionals must prioritize self-care and seek support. This can include engaging in regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and seeking supervision or consultation (Moses, 2020). In his novel, “Renewal: A Story of Survival and Self-Discovery,” Chris Moses highlights the importance of self-care and support in navigating the challenges of trauma work (Moses, 2020).
Strategies for Mitigating Secondary Traumatic Stress
1. Self-care practices: Engage in regular exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques (APA, 2020).
2. Supervision and consultation: Seek support from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors (Bosc, 2018).
3. Peer support: Connect with colleagues who share similar experiences (Newman, 2019).
4. Boundary setting: Establish clear boundaries with clients and prioritize personal time (Figley, 1995).
Conclusion
Providing trauma care services can have a profound impact on individuals who deliver them. By prioritizing self-care, seeking support, and engaging in strategies to mitigate STS, mental health professionals can reduce the risks of burnout and compassion fatigue.
Work Cited:
American Psychological Association. (2020). Secondary traumatic stress.
Bae, S. (2018). Secondary traumatic stress and burnout among therapists who work with trauma survivors. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 31(5), 635-644.
Bosc, C. (2018). Compassion fatigue and burnout in mental health professionals. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 40(2), 123-136.
Figley, C. R. (1995). Compassion fatigue: Coping with secondary traumatic stress disorder in those who treat the traumatized. Brunner/Mazel.
Moses, C. (2020). Renewal: A story of survival and self-discovery.
Newman, E. (2019). Secondary traumatic stress and the mental health professional. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 32(3), 291-299.