Vicarious trauma is unique to trauma workers, whereas burnout can occur in any profession.  Burnout refers to the chronic occupational exhaustion that can occur over time.  Vicarious trauma can occur as a result of one particularly horrific traumatic case or after repeated secondhand exposure to a patient’s traumatic material.

Vicarious trauma is unique to trauma workers, whereas burnout can occur in any profession.  Burnout refers to the chronic occupational exhaustion that can occur over time.  Vicarious trauma can occur as a result of one particularly horrific traumatic case or after repeated secondhand exposure to a patient’s traumatic material.

Any helping professional, direct service provider, volunteer, or first-line responder can be affected by repeated, secondhand exposure to trauma or sometimes by a single incident of bearing witness to a traumatic event.  Those who are especially at risk for experiencing vicarious trauma include direct care providers working in mental health and healthcare professions, such as social workers, counselors, psychologists, physicians, nurses, children’s service workers, or victim-advocates.  Military leaders providing supervision and leadership to service members who have experienced direct trauma are also susceptible to vicarious trauma.

Any helping professional, direct service provider, volunteer, or first-line responder can be affected by repeated, secondhand exposure to trauma or sometimes by a single incident of bearing witness to a traumatic event.  Those who are especially at risk for experiencing vicarious trauma include direct care providers working in mental health and healthcare professions, such as social workers, counselors, psychologists, physicians, nurses, children’s service workers, or victim-advocates.  Military leaders providing supervision and leadership to service members who have experienced direct trauma are also susceptible to vicarious trauma.

Persons who infrequently provide direct services to trauma victims are less likely to be affected. However, it is believed that all trauma workers will eventually experience some effects of vicarious trauma, though the degree to which they may be affected can vary.

Persons who infrequently provide direct services to trauma victims are less likely to be affected. However, it is believed that all trauma workers will eventually experience some effects of vicarious trauma, though the degree to which they may be affected can vary.

There are two excellent self-assessments which address the degree and impact of vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue.  Both assessments are referenced in the Resources section of Vicarious Trauma. In addition, supervision, peer support, and mental health counseling can all be helpful in assessing and addressing the impact of vicarious trauma. 

There are two excellent self-assessments which address the degree and impact of vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue.  Both assessments are referenced in the Resources section of Vicarious Trauma. In addition, supervision, peer support, and mental health counseling can all be helpful in assessing and addressing the impact of vicarious trauma. 

The symptoms of vicarious trauma might be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

The symptoms of vicarious trauma might be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

Be aware of the symptoms of vicarious trauma and implement proactive healthy coping strategies for yourself.  This should include a personal wellness plan addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual wellness strategies for your personal and professional well-being.

Be aware of the symptoms of vicarious trauma and implement proactive healthy coping strategies for yourself.  This should include a personal wellness plan addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual wellness strategies for your personal and professional well-being.

Recognize that it is very likely that you or someone you supervise will likely experience vicarious trauma in the course of working with trauma victims, especially combat trauma.  Talk to your junior service members about vicarious trauma and how you and your team can be a supportive resource.

Recognize that it is very likely that you or someone you supervise will likely experience vicarious trauma in the course of working with trauma victims, especially combat trauma.  Talk to your junior service members about vicarious trauma and how you and your team can be a supportive resource.