Tuning of the self: in-session somatic support for vicarious trauma-related countertransference

ABSTRACT

Therapist countertransference reactions related to the phenomenon of vicarious trauma (VT) can be examined through polarising physiological responses. Through an integration of counselling and neuroscientific perspectives on empathy and traumatic countertransference, in-session somatic reactions are approached as valuable information sources. The VT field’s research gaps regarding intersecting sociocultural identities of therapists and clients are centred in the proposed framework to examine hyper personalised and depersonalised countertransference polarisations. Awareness of somatic cultural countertransference and power dynamics is proposed as a way to prevent VT and uphold ethical standards of practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Vicarious trauma
• countertransference
• dance movement therapy
• body psychotherapy

Acknowledgments

Gratitude is extended to Melissa Walker and Naropa University for support in preparing this manuscript and to Kelsey Andaházy for technical graphic support in creating the figures.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. This paper includes studies in which VT has been defined as CF.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anna Andaházy

Anna Andaházy, MA, CPRP, R-DMT, RYT has worked in human/social services since 2001. She is a graduate of Naropa University’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Somatic Concentrations in Body Psychotherapy and Dance Movement Therapy. Anna considers it an honour to journey alongside individuals healing from trauma and she is passionate about supporting care providers to embrace career longevity within the complex sociopolitical systems in which healthcare is embedded.