“Vicarious trauma is the emotional residue of exposure that counselors have from working with people as they are hearing their trauma stories and become witnesses to the pain, fear, and terror that trauma survivors have endured”- Google.
As a therapist, I often hear about unfortunate circumstances and trauma that children and adults have experienced- and it never gets easier. I actually believe hearing about trauma and helping people through their trauma takes a certain type of numbness to protect yourself, in a sense. On the other hand, it’s necessary to be present, to be empathetic and to listen, but this can be traumatic. Being in a place where you have the opportunity to help others takes bravery and reaps natural rewards. But, my hope is, that people who work in service based fields, pay attention to themselves, their bodies, their thoughts, their hearts. Are you having a hard time breathing? Does your back and shoulders hurt? Are you having headaches? Do you not want to go into work for long periods of time? You may be experiencing secondary/vicarious trauma and burnout. Acknowledge you thoughts & feelings and honor them. Take time for yourself on purpose. Below are some self-care strategies.
Do: Take a day (like a real day, no phone calls, no notes)
Do: Take a day trip
Don’t: answer your phone after you are off for the day
Do: Leave work on time
Do: Have at least 2 days a week that you do not go into work (ie the weekends)
Don’t: answer your phone for a day (text people to let them know you are ok, but that’s it!)
Do: Engage in relaxation that doesn’t require having to plan or think too much
Do: take time to big yourself up! Such as, writing a list of all the things you enjoy about yourself, create a self-care plan, mediate on your accomplishments.
Take care,
Gwena’e
Coffee Stretch 
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