Title: Trauma & Spirituality: 4 Things You Need To Know - marthajhorn.com
Headings: Trauma & Spirituality: 4 Things You Need To Know
Trauma & Spirituality: 4 Things You Need To Know
Introduction
Trauma Is A Real Thing
What is trauma?
What are the symptoms of trauma?
Vicarious Trauma Is Also A Real Thing
How Religion & Spirituality Can Make Trauma Worse
Religious Trauma Syndrome
How Religion & Spirituality Can Be Vehicles of Healing for Trauma Survivors
Conclusion
Resources
Related Posts & Pages
Notes & References

Content: There are a number of resources listed at the end of this post for more information. Vicarious Trauma Is Also A Real Thing
There is another kind of trauma that is not well-known outside of professional circles and that is “secondary traumatic stress” (STS), 1 also called “vicarious trauma.” STS can develop in individuals who work with trauma survivors on a regular basis: psychotherapists, healthcare professionals, social workers, and others who advocate for traumatized people. Professionals who develop STS often experience many of the same symptoms that their patients and clients experience. On a professional level, their work performance and effectiveness may dramatically suffer. On a personal level, they may also experience increases in anger, concerns about the nature and safety of other people, and concerns about the world in general. When these problems are denied or ignored, these professionals may experience “compassion fatigue” and “burnout.” Compassion fatigue is a kind of emotional exhaustion that can occur for anyone who works with traumatized individuals or for anyone who is a caregiver or direct service provider for individuals with any serious illness or chronic life problem. Individuals with compassion fatigue often feel like they’re “running on empty.”