Understanding Vicarious Trauma and Secondary Trauma

picture of a sad young woman showing signs of trauma

If you work in a profession where you regularly hear about or witness traumatic events, you may be at risk for developing vicarious trauma or secondary trauma. But what exactly are these terms, and what is the difference between vicarious trauma and secondary trauma?

Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary traumatic stress, is a condition characterized by a gradual lessening of compassion over time. It can happen quite quickly and is responsive to evidence-based treatment interventions. Vicarious trauma refers to the shift in world views that result from witnessing trauma experienced by others. Symptoms of vicarious trauma are similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder, with domains of intrusive thoughts, avoidant behaviors, and alterations in arousal.

Secondary trauma refers to witnessing the trauma experienced by others. It is frequently used interchangeably with vicarious trauma. It can also lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, although it is a distinct condition from vicarious trauma.

It is important to recognize the differences between vicarious trauma and secondary trauma. While vicarious trauma refers to the shift in world views that result from witnessing trauma experienced by others, secondary trauma refers to witnessing the trauma experienced by others. Both conditions can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, but they require different treatment approaches.

If you are experiencing symptoms of vicarious trauma or secondary trauma, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you to manage trauma symptoms.

The Origins of Vicarious and Secondary Trauma

What is Trauma Exposure?

Trauma exposure refers to the experience of witnessing or being exposed to a traumatic event. This can be either a direct or indirect experience. Direct exposure is when the person experiences the event firsthand, while indirect exposure is when the person is not directly involved in the event but is exposed to it through others. Trauma exposure can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related disorders.

How Does Witnessing Traumatic Events Affect You?

Witnessing traumatic events can have a significant impact on mental health. It can lead to the development of vicarious trauma or secondary trauma. Vicarious trauma is the emotional residue of exposure to traumatic stories and experiences of others through work, while secondary trauma is the indirect trauma that can occur when we are exposed to difficult or disturbing images and stories second-hand. Both vicarious and secondary trauma can lead to symptoms similar to PTSD, including intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and hyperarousal.

What is the Difference Between Indirect and Direct Trauma?

Indirect trauma, such as vicarious or secondary trauma, is when a person is exposed to the trauma of others. Direct trauma, on the other hand, is when a person experiences the trauma firsthand. Direct trauma can be caused by a variety of events, including physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, or combat. Indirect trauma can be caused by exposure to the trauma of others through work, media, or personal relationships.

Impacts and Symptoms of Vicarious and Secondary Trauma

Vicarious and secondary trauma can have a significant impact on your physical and emotional well-being. When you are exposed to trauma through your work or by hearing traumatic stories from others, it can lead to physical and emotional fatigue, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Physical and emotional fatigue are common symptoms of vicarious and secondary trauma. You may feel exhausted, have difficulty sleeping, and experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and muscle tension. Emotional fatigue can lead to feelings of burnout, detachment, and a loss of empathy for others.

Anxiety and depression are also common symptoms of vicarious and secondary trauma. You may experience feelings of worry, fear, and panic. Depression can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. These symptoms can interfere with your ability to function in your personal and professional life.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Vicarious and secondary trauma can lead to symptoms of PTSD, such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors. These symptoms can be debilitating and interfere with your ability to function in your daily life.

Professions at Risk of Vicarious and Secondary Trauma

If you work in a profession where you are exposed to trauma on a regular basis, you may be at risk of developing vicarious or secondary trauma. Some professions that are particularly susceptible to this type of trauma include health care professionals, law enforcement, and social workers.

Health Care Professionals

Health care professionals, such as nurses and mental health professionals, are often exposed to trauma in the course of their work. They may work with patients who have experienced physical or sexual abuse, or who have been involved in serious accidents or natural disasters. This exposure can lead to vicarious trauma, which can manifest as symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Law Enforcement

Police officers and other law enforcement personnel are also at risk of developing vicarious or secondary trauma. They may be exposed to traumatic events such as shootings, car accidents, or natural disasters. This exposure can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Social Workers

Social workers are another group that is at risk of developing vicarious or secondary trauma. They may work with clients who have experienced domestic violence, child abuse, or other traumatic events. This exposure can lead to symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors.

It is important for professionals in these fields to be aware of the risks of vicarious and secondary trauma, and to take steps to protect themselves. This may include seeking professional support, practicing self-care, and taking breaks from work when necessary. By taking these steps, professionals can ensure that they are able to continue providing high-quality care to their patients or clients, while also protecting their own mental health.

Special Case: Domestic Violence and Trauma

Domestic violence is a traumatic experience that can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental health. It can lead to vicarious trauma and secondary trauma for those who work with survivors. Domestic violence can also impact children who witness or experience abuse.

Domestic Violence Shelter Workers

Domestic violence shelter workers are at high risk for experiencing vicarious trauma and secondary trauma due to the nature of their work. They are constantly exposed to survivors’ traumatic experiences and may feel overwhelmed by their clients’ stories. It is essential for shelter workers to practice self-care and seek support when needed to prevent the accumulation of trauma.

Impact on Children

Children who witness or experience domestic violence may also experience trauma. They may develop symptoms similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder, including flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors. It is crucial to provide children with a safe and supportive environment to help them cope with their experiences.

Coping Mechanisms and Self-Care Strategies

The first step in coping with vicarious trauma and secondary trauma is to understand your triggers. Triggers are anything that reminds you of a traumatic event and can cause an emotional or physical response. For example, if you are a therapist working with survivors of sexual assault, hearing a client’s story of abuse may trigger memories of your own past trauma. Other triggers may include graphic details, intense emotions, or working with a high volume of trauma cases.

Building resilience is key to preventing vicarious trauma and secondary trauma. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficult situations and adapt to change. To build resilience, it is important to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This may include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and practicing mindfulness or meditation. It is also important to have a support system of friends, family, or colleagues who can provide emotional support and help you process difficult cases.

There are several coping strategies you can use to manage vicarious trauma and secondary trauma. One effective strategy is to practice self-care. This may include engaging in activities that bring you joy, such as hobbies or spending time with loved ones. It may also include seeking out professional support, such as therapy or counseling. Another strategy is to set boundaries around your work, such as limiting the number of trauma cases you take on or taking breaks throughout the day to recharge.

By taking care of yourself and seeking support when needed, you can continue to provide compassionate care to those who have experienced trauma while maintaining your own well-being.

Professional Support and Interventions

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is a specific type of intervention designed to help individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. It is often used in emergency services, such as police and fire departments, and is intended to provide immediate support to individuals who have experienced a critical incident. Other interventions, such as therapy, are typically longer-term and are designed to help individuals process their experiences over time.

Mental health professionals who work with individuals who have experienced trauma may benefit from support systems such as peer supervision, consultation with colleagues, and access to professional organizations. These support systems can help mental health professionals to process their own experiences and emotions related to their work, and to develop a deeper understanding of the impact of trauma on their clients.

Therapeutic interventions that may be helpful for mental health professionals who have experienced vicarious trauma or secondary trauma include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based interventions. These interventions can help individuals to develop coping strategies, manage symptoms of trauma, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness.

What is the Difference Between Vicarious Trauma and Secondary Trauma?

Jul 13, 2023

Trauma

Shara Turner, LPC, MSC, NCC, NARM

Understanding Vicarious Trauma and Secondary Trauma

picture of a sad young woman showing signs of trauma

If you work in a profession where you regularly hear about or witness traumatic events, you may be at risk for developing vicarious trauma or secondary trauma. But what exactly are these terms, and what is the difference between vicarious trauma and secondary trauma?

Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary traumatic stress, is a condition characterized by a gradual lessening of compassion over time. It can happen quite quickly and is responsive to evidence-based treatment interventions. Vicarious trauma refers to the shift in world views that result from witnessing trauma experienced by others. Symptoms of vicarious trauma are similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder, with domains of intrusive thoughts, avoidant behaviors, and alterations in arousal.

Secondary trauma refers to witnessing the trauma experienced by others. It is frequently used interchangeably with vicarious trauma. It can also lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, although it is a distinct condition from vicarious trauma.

It is important to recognize the differences between vicarious trauma and secondary trauma. While vicarious trauma refers to the shift in world views that result from witnessing trauma experienced by others, secondary trauma refers to witnessing the trauma experienced by others. Both conditions can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, but they require different treatment approaches.

If you are experiencing symptoms of vicarious trauma or secondary trauma, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you to manage trauma symptoms.

The Origins of Vicarious and Secondary Trauma

What is Trauma Exposure?

Trauma exposure refers to the experience of witnessing or being exposed to a traumatic event. This can be either a direct or indirect experience. Direct exposure is when the person experiences the event firsthand, while indirect exposure is when the person is not directly involved in the event but is exposed to it through others. Trauma exposure can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related disorders.

How Does Witnessing Traumatic Events Affect You?

Witnessing traumatic events can have a significant impact on mental health. It can lead to the development of vicarious trauma or secondary trauma. Vicarious trauma is the emotional residue of exposure to traumatic stories and experiences of others through work, while secondary trauma is the indirect trauma that can occur when we are exposed to difficult or disturbing images and stories second-hand. Both vicarious and secondary trauma can lead to symptoms similar to PTSD, including intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and hyperarousal.

What is the Difference Between Indirect and Direct Trauma?

Indirect trauma, such as vicarious or secondary trauma, is when a person is exposed to the trauma of others. Direct trauma, on the other hand, is when a person experiences the trauma firsthand. Direct trauma can be caused by a variety of events, including physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, or combat. Indirect trauma can be caused by exposure to the trauma of others through work, media, or personal relationships.

Impacts and Symptoms of Vicarious and Secondary Trauma

Vicarious and secondary trauma can have a significant impact on your physical and emotional well-being. When you are exposed to trauma through your work or by hearing traumatic stories from others, it can lead to physical and emotional fatigue, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Physical and emotional fatigue are common symptoms of vicarious and secondary trauma. You may feel exhausted, have difficulty sleeping, and experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and muscle tension. Emotional fatigue can lead to feelings of burnout, detachment, and a loss of empathy for others.

Anxiety and depression are also common symptoms of vicarious and secondary trauma. You may experience feelings of worry, fear, and panic. Depression can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. These symptoms can interfere with your ability to function in your personal and professional life.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Vicarious and secondary trauma can lead to symptoms of PTSD, such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors. These symptoms can be debilitating and interfere with your ability to function in your daily life.

Professions at Risk of Vicarious and Secondary Trauma

If you work in a profession where you are exposed to trauma on a regular basis, you may be at risk of developing vicarious or secondary trauma. Some professions that are particularly susceptible to this type of trauma include health care professionals, law enforcement, and social workers.

Health Care Professionals

Health care professionals, such as nurses and mental health professionals, are often exposed to trauma in the course of their work. They may work with patients who have experienced physical or sexual abuse, or who have been involved in serious accidents or natural disasters. This exposure can lead to vicarious trauma, which can manifest as symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Law Enforcement

Police officers and other law enforcement personnel are also at risk of developing vicarious or secondary trauma. They may be exposed to traumatic events such as shootings, car accidents, or natural disasters. This exposure can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Social Workers

Social workers are another group that is at risk of developing vicarious or secondary trauma. They may work with clients who have experienced domestic violence, child abuse, or other traumatic events. This exposure can lead to symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors.

It is important for professionals in these fields to be aware of the risks of vicarious and secondary trauma, and to take steps to protect themselves. This may include seeking professional support, practicing self-care, and taking breaks from work when necessary. By taking these steps, professionals can ensure that they are able to continue providing high-quality care to their patients or clients, while also protecting their own mental health.

Special Case: Domestic Violence and Trauma

Domestic violence is a traumatic experience that can have long-lasting effects on a person's mental health. It can lead to vicarious trauma and secondary trauma for those who work with survivors. Domestic violence can also impact children who witness or experience abuse.

Domestic Violence Shelter Workers

Domestic violence shelter workers are at high risk for experiencing vicarious trauma and secondary trauma due to the nature of their work. They are constantly exposed to survivors' traumatic experiences and may feel overwhelmed by their clients' stories. It is essential for shelter workers to practice self-care and seek support when needed to prevent the accumulation of trauma.

Impact on Children

Children who witness or experience domestic violence may also experience trauma. They may develop symptoms similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder, including flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors. It is crucial to provide children with a safe and supportive environment to help them cope with their experiences.

Coping Mechanisms and Self-Care Strategies

The first step in coping with vicarious trauma and secondary trauma is to understand your triggers. Triggers are anything that reminds you of a traumatic event and can cause an emotional or physical response. For example, if you are a therapist working with survivors of sexual assault, hearing a client's story of abuse may trigger memories of your own past trauma. Other triggers may include graphic details, intense emotions, or working with a high volume of trauma cases.

Building resilience is key to preventing vicarious trauma and secondary trauma. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficult situations and adapt to change. To build resilience, it is important to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This may include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and practicing mindfulness or meditation. It is also important to have a support system of friends, family, or colleagues who can provide emotional support and help you process difficult cases.

There are several coping strategies you can use to manage vicarious trauma and secondary trauma. One effective strategy is to practice self-care. This may include engaging in activities that bring you joy, such as hobbies or spending time with loved ones. It may also include seeking out professional support, such as therapy or counseling. Another strategy is to set boundaries around your work, such as limiting the number of trauma cases you take on or taking breaks throughout the day to recharge.

By taking care of yourself and seeking support when needed, you can continue to provide compassionate care to those who have experienced trauma while maintaining your own well-being.

Professional Support and Interventions

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is a specific type of intervention designed to help individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. It is often used in emergency services, such as police and fire departments, and is intended to provide immediate support to individuals who have experienced a critical incident. Other interventions, such as therapy, are typically longer-term and are designed to help individuals process their experiences over time.

Mental health professionals who work with individuals who have experienced trauma may benefit from support systems such as peer supervision, consultation with colleagues, and access to professional organizations. These support systems can help mental health professionals to process their own experiences and emotions related to their work, and to develop a deeper understanding of the impact of trauma on their clients.

Therapeutic interventions that may be helpful for mental health professionals who have experienced vicarious trauma or secondary trauma include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based interventions. These interventions can help individuals to develop coping strategies, manage symptoms of trauma, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness.

Table of Contents

←Table of Contents
Scroll to Top
Skip to content