27/10/2025
I stumbled upon this picture today..... and it landed.
Vicarious trauma is a sneaky one.
As a trainer, therapist and supervisor working with front line professionals in the arena of safeguarding, trauma and abuse, the hidden impact of vicarious trauma mustn't be minimised or ignored. This is especially important for those front line professionals to remember.
We care, we want to help, we listen, we advise, we support, we walk alongside those suffering, we focus on those struggling to our detriment, we lose sight of our own reality and take on another's, we respond according to that reality - sneaky vicarious trauma....
Let this serve as a reminder that we are good at our jobs because we empathise, but remember to turn that empathy inwards.
Take the breaks you need, self care is radical, boundaried, strong - not just a bubble bath. Self care is brave, not everyone understands or sees vicarious trauma. Self care in these circumstances is being scared of people perceiving it as weakness when it is you being scared or apprehensive and doing it anyway. Brave.
Remember your core values and who you are. Be gentle with your brave self.