Understanding & Responding to Vicarious Trauma

All staff who are exposed to trauma as part of their work, are at risk of experiencing vicarious trauma. While vicarious trauma is a considerable Work, Health & Safety risk, it can be managed effectively to limit the human, financial and workplace costs.

Full Stop Australia was the recipient of the ‘Best Solution to an Identified Health and Safety Issue’ award from WorkSafe for our Vicarious Trauma Management Program.

The program should be attended by team leaders/managers who have day-to-day responsibility for staff wellbeing, as well as executive team members to understand the context of vicarious traumatisation in the workplace.

Content includes:

• Understand the construct of vicarious trauma;
• Differentiate vicarious trauma from burnout;
• Understand what contributes to vicarious trauma;
• Recognise the symptoms of vicarious trauma experienced by self and others;
• Identify key individual and organisational vicarious trauma management strategies;
• Understand the role of psychologically safe workplaces in the management of vicarious trauma