Working with refugee survivors of torture and trauma: An opportunity for vicarious post-traumatic growth

Abstract

Clinical work with people who have survived trauma carries a risk of vicarious traumatisation for the service provider, as well as the potential for vicarious post-traumatic growth (VPTG). Despite a growing interest in this area, the effects of working with survivors of refugee-related trauma have remained relatively unexplored. In this study, we examined the lived experiences of people working on a daily basis with survivors of torture and trauma who had sought refuge in Australia. Seventeen clinical, administrative and managerial staff from a not-for-profit organisation participated in a semi-structured interview that was later analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Analysis of the data demonstrated that the entire sample reported symptoms of vicarious trauma (e.g. strong emotional reactions, intrusive images and shattering of existing beliefs) as well as VPTG (e.g. forming new relationships, increased self-understanding and gaining a greater appreciation of life). Moreover, effortful meaning-making processes appeared to facilitate positive changes. Reduction in the risks associated with this work, the enhancement of clinician well-being, and improvement of therapeutic outcomes for clientele are responsibilities shared by the organisation and clinicians. Without negating the distress of trauma work, clinicians are encouraged to more deeply consider the unique positive outcomes that supporting survivors can provide.

Keywords:

• trauma
• refugee
• vicarious trauma
• vicarious post-traumatic growth
• meaning making