65th Annual Conference

Friday, February 22

Afternoon Workshops

2:45-6:00 P.M.

Workshop 67

Vicarious Traumatization: A Group Model of Caring for Ourselves While We Care for Others

Chair:    

Carolyn Angelo, M.S.W., Private Practice, Washington, DC

Caregivers are being increasingly called upon to care for individuals who have experienced severe traumatization, yet little attention has been paid to the impact of this on the professionals themselves. This workshop provides an overview of the concept of Vicarious Traumatization, contrasted with PTSD, Burnout, and Countertransference. Strategies for recognizing, preventing and coping with Vicarious Traumatization will be addressed. Further, specific tools suitable for group applications, such as guided imagery, self-care assessment, and small group discussion will be demonstrated.
didactic-experiential-demonstration-sharing of work experiences
 

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:
1. Define Vicarious Traumatization.
2. Distinguish Vicarious Traumatization from PTSD and Countertransference.
3. Utilize various techniques to help victims of vicarious traumatization with self-assessment and self-care.
 

Course References:  

1. C. Figley. (1995). Compassion Fatigue. Coping with secondary traumatic stress disorder in those who treat the traumatized. Bristol, PA: Brunner/Mazel.
2. Kottler, J. (1999). The Therapist's Workbook. Self-Assessment, self-care and self-improvement exercises for mental health professionals. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc.
3. Naparstek, B. (2004). Invisible Heroes. Survivors of trauma and how they heal. New York: Bantam.