Secondary trauma and workplace wellness

Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.

A wide range of professionals may encounter and work with clients or others who have had traumatic experiences. This secondary traumatic experience can take a toll on professionals over time. It’s important for both individual professionals and organizations to recognize the stress that is associated with trauma exposure in the workplace as well as the value of engaging in self-care and organizational wellness activities. Check out the resources below for more information on the research along with tips for healthy professional practice.

Research to practice presentations

What Does it Mean to Be “Trauma-Sensitive” in Our Work? Engage with Colleagues to Share Definitions, Practices and Wisdom and Healing Through Relationships — with Individuals, Organizations, Communities — Jessica Gourneau, PhD, Interim Clinical Director — American Indian Family Center

Presentation Slides (PDF)

Healing Through Self Care: How to Maintain Our Humanity in Difficult Situations - Shonda Craft, PhD, LMFT, Associate Dean of the College of Health Continuity and Professional Studies — Metropolitan State University; Therapist and Clinical Supervisor — Kente Circle, LLC

Presentation Slides (PDF)

Lessons from the field presentation

Secondary Traumatic Stress: A Neuroscience-Based Approach to Understanding Secondary Trauma and Building Resiliency — Linda Gensheimer, MSW, LICSW, PhD; and Cynthia Packer, MSW, LICSW

Learn more about the research

Articles about Secondary Traumatic Stress, Vicarious Trauma, Compassion Fatigue & Burnout (PDF) — Find out what researchers across the globe has revealed about how experiencing the traumas of others while on the job can negatively impact workers.

Articles about Workplace Wellness (PDF) — Discover what researchers across the globe have learned about supporting resilience and wellness in the workplace.

Stress and Resilience in the Workplace & Beyond (pdf) — Find recent books about secondary trauma, resilience in the workplace, and self-care for all types of professionals.

Reviewed in 2020