Vicarious Trauma of First Responders

Abstract

This presentation will focus on how vicarious trauma uniquely impacts first responders. The professional helping capacity of first responders involves going towards the scene of traumatic events and immediately helping the victims, without requiring help for themselves at the time. The unprocessed accumulation of such experiences and their aftermath is what uniquely forms the vicarious trauma of first responders. First responders are also continuously exposed to circumstances that put them at risk for further vicarious traumatization, which contributes to the importance of treatment. With these factors forming the foundation of this presentation, we will seek to formulate best practices for this special population, using peer reviewed research. This is especially relevant as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact many first responders in ways not seen in recent history. We will bring in examples, such as medical professionals, funeral workers, and nursing home attendants, whose job description required their presence at the very scene of the trauma; and that trauma has yet to end, making this presentation ever so timely.

This session was originally presented as a live conference session in October 2021.

Target Audience

Beginning/Introductory

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize at least three factors indicating the presence of vicarious trauma in first responders
  • Distinguish between personal trauma and vicarious trauma as it presents in first responders
  • Organize a treatment plan to help first responders reduce the impact of their vicarious trauma
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.50 APA
    The 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.
  • 1.50 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. ISSTD maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2021 – 08/20/2024. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
  • 1.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program.
Course opens: 
10/22/2022
Course expires: 
12/31/2050
ISSTD Member cost:
$35.00
Your Price:
$35.00
Part of: 
Social Determinants of Trauma and Dissociation Package
Rating: 
0
Presenter: Faige Flakser, LCSW
Presenter Bio: Faige Flakser, LCSW, graduated from Simmons College with a Master’s degree in social work and is licensed in both New York and New Jersey. She has been working in the field of trauma her entire social work career, starting with foster care and domestic violence and now works with adult survivors of childhood abuse, including former cult members and individuals with DID. Faige has studied extensively the art and science of trauma work and graduated from the Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapy’s Trauma Studies Program before coming to ISSTD. Faige has also trained in specific modalities that treat trauma, including EMDR, Somatic Attachment, Polyvagal, Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Hypnosis, and IFS, where she also facilitates trainings for other clinicians. As Faige’s clinical experience and trainings developed, she was met with increasingly complex trauma cases, further along on the spectrum of dissociation. ISSTD became the base, where she studied, and teaches, at their Advanced Studies for Trauma and Dissociation. Faige also co-chairs the Vicarious Trauma group at ISSTD, is the secretary elect for ISSTD’s SIG on Organized and Extreme Abuse and participates in ISSTD’s advocacy at the UN’s NGO Committee on Mental Health, where she also serves as the committee’s secretary. Faige’s social work experience ranged from agency work, community clinics, group practice and private practice. Prior to becoming a social worker, Faige earned a Master’s degree in Special Education through Touro College and worked with children with developmental delays. Faige combines her knowledge, experience, passion and skills to help her supervisees, trainees, and most of all, her clients.

Available Credit

  • 1.50 APA
    The 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.
  • 1.50 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. ISSTD maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2021 – 08/20/2024. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
  • 1.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program.

Price

ISSTD Member cost:
$35.00
Your Price:
$35.00
Please login or register to take this course.

"Your Price" above reflects your final price based on your membership status and career level. 

  • ISSTD defines a student as those enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation. 
  • ISSTD defines an emerging professional as mental health professionals who have completed an advanced degree and are in the first three years of their career (or first three years after graduation for researchers).
  • If you do not fall into one of the above categories please register as Professional/Retired. 

These prices are for Tier I countries. For a list of countries by Tier click here. If you are located in a country that falls into Tier II-VI please contact ISSTD at cfas@isst-d.org to receive the appropriate discount code.