An exploratory study of vicarious trauma among therapist trainees.

Abstract

The current study explored vicarious trauma among therapist trainees in relation to history of trauma, experience level, trauma-specific training, and defense style. Students in graduate clinical and counseling psychology training programs (N ϭ 129) completed the Trauma Symptom Inventory, Defense Style Questionnaire, and an experience questionnaire. Results indicated trauma symptoms were significantly associated with defense style, which appeared to moderate personal trauma history and experience level. Trauma-specific training was also independently related to trauma symptoms. Notably, over half the sample reported a self-sacrificing defense style, which was a risk factor for vicarious trauma. Training implications of the findings are discussed.

Therapeutic implications of counselling psychologists’ responses to client trauma: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

“…Neumann and Gamble (1995) describe Pearlman and McCann's (unpublished) survey of nearly 200 trauma therapists, which found that newer therapists reported more intrusive imagery from the work as well as more anxiety, depression and physical symptoms than did therapists with greater experience. This is consistent with research into the professional development of therapists, indicating that psychological distress is higher for therapists who are less experienced (Adams & Riggs, 2008;Hellman, Morrison, & Abramowitz, 1987;Rodolfa, Kraft, & Reilley, 1988).…”

“…This is consistent with research into the professional development of therapists, indicating that psychological distress decreases as therapists become more experienced (Adams and Riggs, 2008;Hellman et al, 1987;Rodolfa et al, 1988). Participants conveyed that through their work with trauma survivors, they had reached a position of acceptance in relation to traumatic occurrences.…”

“…being particularly at risk of experiencing vicarious trauma symptoms in relation to their work (Adams & Riggs, 2008;Pearlman & MacIan, 1995). Neumann and Gamble (1995) describe Pearlman and McCann's (unpublished) survey of nearly 200 trauma therapists, which found that newer therapists reported more intrusive imagery from the work as well as more anxiety, depression and physical symptoms than did therapists with greater experience.…”

Indirect exposure to client trauma and the impact on trainee clinical psychologists: Secondary traumatic stress or vicarious traumatization?

“…A majority of studies fail to reveal significant positive relationships between indirect exposure to client trauma and trauma symptoms (Adams & Riggs, 2008;Badger et al, 2008;Deighton et al, 2007 7 ; Ennis & Horne, 2003;Nelson-Gardell & Harris, 2003;Way et al, 2004). However, all these studies used less precise, more general or longer-term indirect exposure to client trauma measures.…”

“…There is only very limited research among trainee psychologists in the area of secondary traumatization; with one published study (Adams & Riggs, 2008) and two doctoral theses (Fama, 2003;Fucci, 2008). Moreover, this research is based in the USA.…”