The Experience of Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth in Mental Health Workers

Abstract

In order to add to the body of research that examines the phenomenon of vicarious posttraumatic growth, this study sought to illuminate the lived experiences of mental health professionals who work on a day-to-day basis with multiply traumatized children and adolescents and, as a result, experience measurably high levels of vicarious trauma and compassion satisfaction. The findings from this qualitative study support positive vicarious experiences derived from trauma work and expose the pathologically focused nature of the profession.

KEYWORDS:

• vicarious posttraumatic growth
• trauma
• salutogenic

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Debra Hyatt-Burkhart

Debra Hyatt-Burkhart is a professor of counselor education and supervision at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. Her scholarly activities are focused on vicarious responses to traumatic exposure, salutogenic approaches to counselor supervision, and the trauma of immigration. Her professional practice has been focused on family counseling and clinical supervision.