Vicarious Trauma Treatment in San Francisco

Vicarious Trauma


Do you suffer from unexplained fatigue, pain, or burnout?

Whether you’re a caregiver, first responder, or a highly compassionate person, experiencing the symptoms of vicarious trauma can leave you feeling less than your best.

Deeply caring and desiring to help those suffering shouldn’t have to limit your personality or affect how you care for your family. Seeking professional therapy can help you process vicarious trauma and learn how to achieve better mental and physical health.

Unresolved vicarious trauma can limit your ability to live a fulfilling life.
Long-term exposure to the pain of others can leave you feeling as though you’ve experienced the pain yourself. Intrusive thoughts, anxiety, or depression can creep into your life and prevent you from doing the things you love, especially taking care of others.

If this sounds like you, you may also experience feelings associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including:

If you’re experiencing the effects of vicarious trauma, you do not have to suffer alone. Many people experience these symptoms from repeated exposure to trauma in the workplace, and their own trauma can increase their symptoms. Self-care, rest, and professional therapy can help you unpack the details of your symptoms and set solid boundaries for healing.

Therapy can address the effects of vicarious trauma and offer recovery support.

When the effects of vicarious trauma interfere with your life, it isn’t easy to know whether you should choose a new career path. Many people experience vicarious trauma in the workplace, which can prevent them from doing their job well. We have a team of compassionate and experienced therapists who offer effective and supportive care through a combination of psychotherapies that encourage recovery. Whether you’re at risk for vicarious trauma or you’re already suffering from the effects, trauma therapy can help.

Let us help you establish a grounded view of reality so you can gain control of your life.

Anyone can experience extreme burnout or the effects of working too hard. Vicarious trauma often affects medical professionals or those who witness trauma every day. We understand the desire to take on the wounds of others and the apathy and despair these feelings leave behind. Our therapists provide solid solutions that include combination therapies to help you make sense of your emotions and thoughts. As we help you process your unique trauma, you will gain a deeper understanding of the source of your symptoms and begin moving forward.

Direct exposure to the hurt of others around you can become intense, making it hard to enjoy your career path. You may even wrestle with frequent nightmares or intrusive thoughts that distort your worldview and affect those around you. Our team knows the toll vicarious trauma takes on your mental and physical health, and we aim to provide lasting support for your healing journey.

FAQs

We aim to answer your questions about vicarious trauma therapy and how we can best serve you. Here are some common questions we receive about this topic.

How Does Vicarious Trauma Differ From Personal Trauma?

Vicarious trauma is also known as compassion fatigue and affects mental and emotional well-being. People who work as therapists, healthcare professionals, or first responders often experience the symptoms of vicarious trauma. Witnessing or hearing about traumatic experiences can have a different impact than experiencing first-hand trauma. However, the lingering effects of both forms can become so intense that a person cannot find a way to move forward in life.

What Are Common Signs Of Vicarious Trauma and Who Is At Risk?

Anyone who works closely with trauma survivors is at risk for vicarious trauma. Tending to frequent mental or physical health needs places a significant burden on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Therapists, first responders, social workers, or healthcare professionals can experience the effects of vicarious trauma. Some common signs of vicarious trauma include negative thought patterns, emotional exhaustion, and hypersensitivity. Recognizing these signs is essential to avoid further burnout or more severe health concerns.

How Can Those At Risk For Vicarious Trauma Protect Themselves Against This Threat?

If you work closely with trauma victims, you are more likely to experience the effects of vicarious trauma. The good news is you can protect your mind and body from harm in many ways. Setting healthy boundaries and practicing self-care is the best place to start. You can also build a supportive network of friends, family, or therapists that will encourage you to share your emotions and thoughts regarding your work freely. Don’t be afraid to do things that bring you joy and help you relax. These steps can help ground your worldview when you feel threatened by persistent trauma or exhaustion.

How Can Therapy Help Those Experiencing Vicarious Trauma? What Are Some Effective Approaches?

Therapy is one of the best ways to process traumatic events and establish healthy boundaries. Supervision, peer support, individual therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques can help reduce stress and enhance self-care. Self-compassion practices and psychotherapy approaches are also effective in helping to manage the effects of vicarious trauma. Those who work in highly traumatic atmospheres may struggle with exhaustion, overwhelm, and burnout, affecting their relationships and other areas of life. Therapeutic approaches can help them build resilience against these situations as they learn how to manage symptoms and intentionally think through each problem.

Enhance Your Mental Well-being Today

If you’re looking for support against vicarious trauma, our therapists are ready to help. Contact Calm Again Counseling today and schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We will pair you with a therapist who can lend a listening ear and recommend a treatment plan that fits your unique needs. We help enhance your mental well-being as we provide a safe and effective environment for you to process trauma and gain control of your life.