Mental Health Professionals' Experiences of Vicarious Traumatization in Post–Hurricane Katrina New Orleans

Abstract

Mental health professionals in a variety of work settings regularly encounter clients who are trauma victims. This secondary exposure to trauma often results in the professionals experiencing the effects of trauma themselves, known as vicarious traumatization (VT). The present descriptive, sequential mixed-method study explored VT experienced by mental health professionals in the post–Hurricane Katrina New Orleans region using the Vicarious Traumatization Questionnaire (VTQ). The study also examined the impact of VT on the professional and personal functioning of mental health professionals through interviews with agency directors. Results indicated notable VT impact. Prevention and treatment implications are discussed.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by a grant from the Office of Research, University of New Orleans.

Notes

Note. Multiple answers were allowed, so totals can be greater than 100%. Two of the 30 participants reported no association with trauma clients.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Leslie M. Culver

Leslie M. Culver is a Ph.D. student in the Counseling Program at the University of New Orleans. Her areas of research interest include trauma, counselor education, and counseling outcomes evaluation.

Bridget L. McKinney

Bridget L. McKinney is a Ph.D. student in the Counseling Program at the University of New Orleans. Her areas of research interest include counseling supervision, ecotherapy, and boundary issues in counseling.

Louis V. Paradise

Louis V. Paradise is a Professor in the Counseling Program at the University of New Orleans. His areas of research interest include ethics and ethical behavior as well as readiness and emergency management procedures.