Indirect Trauma: Implications for Self-Care, Supervision, the Organization, and the Academic Institution

Abstract

In this article, the nature of what is referred to in this article as indirect trauma, or the ways in which clinicians are affected by their work with survivors of childhood trauma, is examined. Based upon current research and theory, three manifestations of indirect trauma are identified and discussed: secondary traumatic stress, vicarious traumatization, and compassion fatigue. Factors that may mitigate or increase the risk of experiencing indirect trauma are then presented. The implications that indirect trauma has for self-care strategies, as well as for clinical and trainee supervision, the organization, and the academic institution are presented in light of relevant research. Case examples are employed throughout to illustrate key concepts.