Title: The Connection Between Social Work and Secondary Trauma
Headings: The Connection Between Social Work and Secondary Trauma
The Connection Between Social Work and Secondary Trauma
Vicarious vs. Secondary Trauma in Social Work: What’s the Difference?
Examples of Vicarious and Secondary Trauma in Social Work
When Social Workers Experience Trauma
Signs of Secondary and Vicarious Trauma in Social Work
How to Manage, Treat, and Prevent Vicarious and Secondary Trauma
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Last Update: 02-12-2020

Content: Vicarious vs. Secondary Trauma in Social Work: What’s the Difference? Social workers inevitably work with people who have experienced trauma such as the death of a loved one, surviving a natural disaster, being in combat, living in an abusive marriage or family, or surviving a sexual assault. Over time, this traumatic exposure can cause social workers to experience symptoms of trauma such as anxiety, depression, and even posttraumatic stress (PTSD) . Secondary trauma is a traumatized reaction to another person’s experience. It can happen suddenly, after a single exposure. Vicarious trauma happens when a person is exposed to the trauma of others on an ongoing basis. Over time, both secondary and vicarious trauma can cause compassion fatigue. People with compassion fatigue may feel numb and disconnected, struggle to empathize, and be less effective at supporting their clients. Examples of Vicarious and Secondary Trauma in Social Work
Secondary trauma appears suddenly.