The practitioner’s empathy and ability to witness are key aspects of not just our professional ability but also of our humanity. However, when we are repeatedly exposed to traumatic stories or seemingly intractable problems, our compassion can become eroded and we can begin to feel helpless and hopeless. Left unacknowledged this can result in the development of Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue and if not addressed may lead to  Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder which mirrors clients’ PTSD.
 

Who is it for?

This workshop is suitable for psychotherapists and counsellors, mental health practitioners, family support workers, key workers, social workers and any organisation whose workers encounter traumatic and or/difficult stories and material with the people they engage with. It is also suitable for managers who wish to be more informed of the potential of secondary traumatic stress injuries in their team and for organisations wishing to be more trauma-aware, trauma-sensitive and/or trauma-informed.
 

What is covered?

In this one day interactive workshop comprising both theoretical and practical elements through large group work and smaller group work we will:

• Look at what Secondary Stress Disorder is;

• Examine its characteristics of Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue;

• Identify characteristics that practitioners may be experiencing;

• Reflect on how practitioners may be unconsciously and unintentionally protecting themselves from and/or defending against the vicarious traumatic material encountered in work and the potential impact of this on the people they work with;

• Develop an ethical and self-tailored care plan to help increase resilience in the face of secondary traumatic injuries such as Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma in a bid to move towards Compassion Resilience.​

Ready to Book this Course?

If you would like me to deliver this workshop for your team please contact me via email or phone.