Preventing Vicarious Trauma in Counselors Through the Implementation of Self-Care Practices
Date
2018
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Publisher
The Alabama Counseling Association Journal
Abstract
Counselors are regularly exposed to a wide range of client’s trauma experiences, and the
construct vicarious trauma describes the negative secondary symptoms as a result of trauma
exposure. Common symptoms include isolation, nightmares, hopelessness, cynicism, lethargy,
despair, etc. The detrimental effects of vicarious trauma are well documented, and research has
aimed to identify preventative factors and interventions to protect counselors from the negative
effects of vicarious trauma. Numerous intervention strategies are documented, and engaging in
self-care and taking care of oneself has been shown to be effective in reducing vicarious trauma
symptoms. Studies present a wide range of considerations related to self-care, and this
manuscript aims to examine effective self-care strategies to help prevent vicarious trauma in
counselors. The components of self-care include physical, emotional, social, and professional
strategies. Effective self-care plans should include each of these components and should be
individualized and monitored regularly. Counselor education programs should train and
education counselors-in-training on how to implement, follow, and modify a self-care plan to
prevent vicarious trauma symptoms
Description
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Keywords
vicarious trauma, burnout, self-care strategies, counselor education
Citation
Flint, S. M. (2018). Preventing Vicarious Trauma in Counselors Through the Implementation of Self-Care Practices. The Alabama Counseling Association Journal, 111.