Content area
Abstract
This study explored the subjective experience of vicarious trauma in therapists who work with survivors of sexual trauma. Twelve clinicians (psychologists, mental health counselors, and clinical social workers) who provide psychotherapy to survivors of sexual abuse or sexual assault participated in a semi-structured interview. Participants responded to interview questions regarding their understanding of vicarious trauma and associated coping mechanisms and self care practices. Data were analyzed using a Consensual Qualitative Research methodology (Hill, Williams, & Thompson, 1997; Hill, Knox, Thompson, Williams, Hess, & Ladney, 2005) to identify major themes that addressed participants’ knowledge and personal experience of vicarious trauma (e.g., intrusive thoughts/images), the effects of clinical work on their professional life (e.g., enhanced belief in human resiliency), their coping strategies (e.g., personal hobbies, support from professional relationships), and factors motivating them to continue practicing sexual trauma counseling (e.g., clients’ growth and resiliency, professional satisfaction). The results of this study are discussed and recommendations for training, supervision, and future research are provided.
