Recently, behavioral health organizations have been acknowledging the effects of working with, feeling empathy for, and having responsibility for trauma survivors. Whether this effect is referred to as vicarious trauma (VT) or secondary traumatic stress, there is no doubt that the work can influence a provider’s worldview, their sense of safety, their own relationships, their sense of hope, and their energy and enthusiasm for their work.
This presentation will challenge some of the myths of vicarious trauma, such as that work is entirely depleting and that home life is entirely fulfilling, and that there is such a thing as work-life balance. Presenters will discuss specific techniques employers can use to help sustain their top employees by growing their hope and energy in the workplace, thereby reducing turnover. Case studies will share strategies for developing skills to enhance employees’ work lives, to help employees thrive through intensity, to develop radical compassion, and to recover from crisis.
During the session, attendees will:
- Identify three myths about vicarious trauma and their alternative truths.
- List eight skills to sustain top employees and discover organizational plans to teach and support these skills.
- Identify agency structures to support providers in recovering from crisis, reducing fatigue and burnout.