Session Six - Secondary trauma, or how to take care of the therapist and how trauma-informed therapy makes a difference
Session Six – Content Level: Beginning and intermediate
Secondary trauma, or how to take care of the therapist and how trauma-informed therapy makes a difference
Abstract:
Trauma therapy has an impact not only on survivors, but on their therapist as well. Therapists may experience secondary traumatization. We will explore this area by reading the research and considering the impact from a clinical perspective. In true fashion to trauma treatment, we will also discuss ways to work through the residual effects of client’s trauma in the therapist. We will conclude with a comprehensive and cohesive understanding of the development and trauma-focused, phase-oriented treatment of complex trauma and some future directions in research and treatment. Time will be given to discuss case material as it relates to the readings.
Objectives:
1. Discuss the effects of trauma therapy on the therapist
2. Discuss the research on secondary traumatization on graduate students studying trauma in clinical practice
3. Discuss ways to work through residual effects of client’s trauma in the therapist
4. Discuss the impact of understanding underlying complex trauma for therapeutic success with trauma survivors
Readings:
A. Pearlman, LA, Caringi, J, and Trautman, AR (2020) New Perspectives on Vicarious Traumatization and Complex Trauma, (pp. 189-204) in CA Courtois and JD Ford, eds. Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Adults, second edition. NY, NY: The Guilford Press.
B. Butler, L.D., Maguin, E. & Carello, J. (2018) Retraumatization Mediates the Effect of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Clinical Training-Related Secondary Traumatic Stress Symptoms, Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 19:1, 25-38.
C. Herman, JL (2015) Trauma and Recovery: The aftermath of violence – from domestic abuse to political terror. NY, NY: Basic Books pp. 237 – 247 (Afterword)
D. Ford, JD and Courtois, CA (2020) Overview and Future Directions in Treatment for Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders, (pp. 591-602) in CA Courtois and JD Ford, eds. Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Adults, second edition. NY, NY: The Guilford Press.
Timed outline:
30 minutes: Discussion of Reading A – effects of trauma therapy on therapists
30 minutes: Discussion of Reading B – secondary traumatization in graduate students
30 minutes: Discussion of Reading C – self-care for therapists working with trauma survivors
30 minutes: Discussion of Reading C – success of trauma-informed therapy
30 minutes: Discussion of becoming a trauma-informed therapist and the next stages
Available Credit
- 2.50 APAThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.