A secondary type of trauma, known as Vicarious Trauma, or VT, is a common experience of teachers and caregivers. Vicarious Trauma is a change in the mental and emotional well-being of a trauma worker or helper as a result of empathic engagement with other’s reports of traumatic experiences.
Sometimes called the “cost of caring,” VT can result from “hearing [people’s] trauma stories and becom[ing] witnesses to the pain, fear, and terror that trauma survivors have endured,” according to the American Counseling Association.
As counselors and educators, we may feel increasing VT in dealing with students who are reporting more significant or recurring amounts of trauma.
assess these possible symptoms, and get in touch with Counseling In Schools for restorative practice training that can help you and staff boost emotional well-being.