Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The study aim is to identify pervasiveness and factors leading to secondary traumatic stress (STS) in school personnel to increase awareness of the need for support and help for school personnel who are affected by STS. School personnel is defined in this study as all personnel employed by schools and includes, teachers, administrators, staff, resource officers, custodians, lunch aids, bus drivers, nurses, social workers, etc. School personnel work together to support students and ensure that they learn not only educational material, but also social and emotional skills. They also provide a sense of safety for students. School personnel are tasked with providing seven hours of daily support to their students; however, lack of supports, constant stressors, and exposure to secondhand accounts of trauma, put school personnel at risk for STS. This dissertation includes a review of STS in school personnel, theory used to inform and understand STS, a systematic review of STS in school personnel, a cross-sectional study of STS in school personnel from a Midwestern County, and integration of findings including practical implications and need for future research.

This qualitative phenomenological study considered the experience of a clinician working with victims and survivors of human sex trafficking and their families. In the overwhelming majority of cases, family members were not involved in the clinical treatment of human sex trafficking survivors. The clinicians primarily worked with the individual client. The data from phone interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis, which resulted in the following themes emerging: vulnerability to secondary trauma, impact on the clinician's life, and self-care strategies and resources. The work with human sex trafficking survivors impacted the clinicians' personal, family, and professional lives. Limitations, clinical implications, and suggestions for future research are discussed. / Master of Science

Terapeuter ingår i riskgruppen för utvecklandet av psykisk ohälsa. Det finns både risk- och skyddsfaktorer som påverkar compassion fatigue (CF) - empatitrötthet - och sekundär traumatisk stress (STS) hos terapeuter. Forskningen visar att traumaarbete upplevs såväl positivt som negativt. Syftet i föreliggande studie var att beskriva terapeuters upplevelser om CF och STS. Därtill att ta reda på om detta kunde relateras till terapeuten själv och arbetsvillkoren samt vad som tycktes ha betydelse för att undvika CF och STS. En litteraturstudie gjordes där artiklarna analyserades genom kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultatet innehåller ett huvudtema; Att arbeta med människors trauma är ett privilegium, samtidigt har det sitt pris och sju subteman. I studien diskuteras CF och STS utifrån att det som terapeut i traumaarbete är oundvikligt att drabbas samt att dessa fenomen behöver vara pratbara. Dessutom framkom källor till resiliens. / Therapists are at risk of developing mental illness. Research shows that working with traumatreatment gives both positive and negative experiences. There are both risk and protective factors that affect Compassion Fatigue (CF) and Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS). The aim of this study was to describe therapists' experiences of CS and STS. Furthermore finding out if they could be related to the therapist in person and working conditions as well as if certain elements were important to avoid CF and STS. A literature study was carried out where articles were analyzed using a qualitative content approach. The result includes a main theme; “Working with people ́s trauma is a privilege, at the same time it has its price” and seven subthemes. CF and STS are thereafter discussed based on the idea of the importance that these phenomena are known and that as a traumatherapist it is inevitable to be affected. In addition sources of resilience emerged.

South African society has been a ected either directly or indirectly by some degree of trauma. Therefore the presence of a trauma unit within a hospital created the ideal opportunity for novice trauma counsellors to have practical experience. The present research is an exploratory study, designed in accordance with ethno- graphic principles in order to understand the psychological e ects of trauma on novice trauma counsellors. It focuses on themes that reverberate throughout the participants narratives. Vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue are two such e ects that were explored in this study. Research into compassion fatigue and vi- carious trauma span over several decades and researchers have moved from merely describing the symptoms of secondary traumatic stress to explaining it in terms of models that highlight the role of various factors that contribute vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue. This study concludes with recommendations to counter the e ects of experiencing secondary trauma. / (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))

ABSTRACT The negative impacts of trauma on clients are well known. However, the negative impact of working with traumatized clients on the counselor or helper has received less attention in the literature. Similarly, the contributions of certain work environments to experiences of compassion fatigue and the role of personality characteristics have gone unnoticed, especially in the South African context. The aim of this research is to examine the relationships between compassion fatigue, sense of coherence and work environment variables (job control, workload and collegial support), and to determine whether sense of coherence moderates the relationship between work environment and compassion fatigue on a sample of Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) practitioners in the South African organisational context (both public and private sectors). The current study adopted a non-experimental research design, categorised as cross-sectional and correlational. A non-probability sampling procedure was utilised. A sample of ninety-nine (99) EAP practitioners was obtained. A 10-items Job Control Scale (Wall, Jackson and Mullarkey, 1995), Workload and Collegial Support Scale by Dewe (1987) 11-items each, a 30- items Compassion Fatigue Self-Test Scale (Figley, 1995), and 13-items Orientation to Life Questionnaire (QLQ-13/SOC-13) by Antonovsky (1987; 1993) were administered. Results indicate that the sample in the current study were at higher risk of experiencing compassion fatigue. There was a positive significant relationship between workload, collegial support and compassion fatigue, a negative insignificant correlation between job control and compassion fatigue, and positive insignificant relationship between sense of coherence and compassion fatigue. The results between sense of coherence and the work environment variables were insignificant. Finally, sense of coherence was only found to moderate the relationship between workload and compassion fatigue and the relationship between collegial support and compassion fatigue.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit social workers are a particularly vulnerable group of professionals due to their chronic exposure to trauma. Current research has overlooked how social workers specifically can adopt certain strategies and coping mechanisms to prevent the symptoms associated with primary trauma, secondary trauma stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Thus, the study that follows was designed to explore the strategies and coping mechanisms utilized by NICU and PICU social workers. Data for this project was collected through the use of open-ended questions in an electronic survey format and analyzed through a conventional content analysis approach. Seven participants fully completed the survey and thus only their responses were considered in the analysis. Results of this study indicate the need for NICU and PICU social workers to gain additional education and training on primary trauma, secondary trauma stress, compassion fatigue and burnout so that they can actively participate in prevention. NICU and PICU social workers reported a range of strategies and coping mechanisms including the awareness of personal and professional barriers, consultation, exercise, among others. This study provides crucial information to an understudied area of research, provides a foundation for future research, and promotes the use of positive strategies and coping mechanisms by NICU and PICU social workers so that they can continue to provide the best services possible for the patients they serve.

Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Counselling as a profession has a decisive influence on the emotional functioning of the counsellor/therapist at both the professional and personal level. A unique emotional component is required of a counsellorltherapist. He/she as an emotional coach must have a special awareness of his/her own emotional processes so that adaptable emotional coping can be harnessed as a powerful therapeutic aid. In the past a void occurred within the context of the Christian counsellor/therapist concerning practical guidelines for managing the emotional life of the counsellor/therapist, which also is the specific focus of this study. A number of passages from the Bible were focused on from a basis theoretical point of departure, which is related to the emotional functioning of the Christian counsellor/therapist in one way or another. From this, among others, it became clear that God rather wishes to bring recovery, honour, renewal and joy instead of brokenness, grief and boundedness. During times of despondency, depression and burnout, God is involved and present in the Christian in a tender, though decisive manner. Rest as a physical, emotional and spiritual activity is also a command which is directly related to the execution of the calling to discipleship. Emotions are meant to be building blocks for fulfilment and joy in the Christian's life. Emotional intimacy and the self-disclosure associated with it, is the only way to grow spiritually and remain emotionally healthy. Life in Christ presents man with the essential foundation for this process. Hence emotion can be utilised to culture greater awareness of a deep dependence on God. In the lives of spiritual leaders, inner wounding often manifest as a noticeable separation1 splitting off between their mind and heart, public and private life, as well as personal and professional life. Like the counselled, the counsellor/therapist must do the necessary emotional work regarding his/her emotional pain so that emotional resolution and transformation can be accomplished. Deep inner wounds must eventually be "touched” in one way or another. Seen from the meta-theory, it became clear that the phenomena compassion fatigue and burnout normally indicates a period or season in which the humanness, fragility and weakness of the counsellor come to the fore. The treatment principle underlying compassion fatigue and burnout is increased self-esteem. A proactive choice of dealing with these phenomena can lead to a decisive levelling out of the phenomena compassion fatigue and burnout. Such action implies, among others, knowledge of the phenomena, self-care due to increased self-esteem, boundaries and a balanced view of discipleship. With regard to the empirical research, a qualitative research approach was followed by using a standard interview. A profile was compiled of the counsellor/therapist who does indeed function emotionally effectively, and eventually it served as the overarching aim of the counselling programme. It became clear that the effective functioning of the counsellor/therapist is directly linked to a process of healing which has taken place with regard to possible own emotional wounding and/or burnout and/or compassion fatigue. The result of this process is someone who is emotionally mature and also capable of maintaining good relationships and balanced emotional intimacy Concerning the practice-theoretical foundation, four basic themes were finally formulated by means of which progressive growth is accomplished. Firstly, the Christian counsellor becomes aware of important factors regarding his/her emotional life. Secondly, this process then flows over into deeper self-knowledge. The moment change regarding self-intimacy is brought about attention can thirdly be given to spiritual functioning. Fourthly, the individual who has received healing and enrichment can now utilise it in the work context in order to manage it better. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Counselling as a profession has a decisive influence on the emotional functioning of the counsellor/therapist at both the professional and personal level. A unique emotional component is required of a counsellorltherapist. He/she as an emotional coach must have a special awareness of his/her own emotional processes so that adaptable emotional coping can be harnessed as a powerful therapeutic aid. In the past a void occurred within the context of the Christian counsellor/therapist concerning practical guidelines for managing the emotional life of the counsellor/therapist, which also is the specific focus of this study. A number of passages from the Bible were focused on from a basis theoretical point of departure, which is related to the emotional functioning of the Christian counsellor/therapist in one way or another. From this, among others, it became clear that God rather wishes to bring recovery, honour, renewal and joy instead of brokenness, grief and boundedness. During times of despondency, depression and burnout, God is involved and present in the Christian in a tender, though decisive manner. Rest as a physical, emotional and spiritual activity is also a command which is directly related to the execution of the calling to discipleship. Emotions are meant to be building blocks for fulfilment and joy in the Christian's life. Emotional intimacy and the self-disclosure associated with it, is the only way to grow spiritually and remain emotionally healthy. Life in Christ presents man with the essential foundation for this process. Hence emotion can be utilised to culture greater awareness of a deep dependence on God. In the lives of spiritual leaders, inner wounding often manifest as a noticeable separation1 splitting off between their mind and heart, public and private life, as well as personal and professional life. Like the counselled, the counsellor/therapist must do the necessary emotional work regarding his/her emotional pain so that emotional resolution and transformation can be accomplished. Deep inner wounds must eventually be "touched” in one way or another. Seen from the meta-theory, it became clear that the phenomena compassion fatigue and burnout normally indicates a period or season in which the humanness, fragility and weakness of the counsellor come to the fore. The treatment principle underlying compassion fatigue and burnout is increased self-esteem. A proactive choice of dealing with these phenomena can lead to a decisive levelling out of the phenomena compassion fatigue and burnout. Such action implies, among others, knowledge of the phenomena, self-care due to increased self-esteem, boundaries and a balanced view of discipleship. With regard to the empirical research, a qualitative research approach was followed by using a standard interview. A profile was compiled of the counsellor/therapist who does indeed function emotionally effectively, and eventually it served as the overarching aim of the counselling programme. It became clear that the effective functioning of the counsellor/therapist is directly linked to a process of healing which has taken place with regard to possible own emotional wounding and/or burnout and/or compassion fatigue. The result of this process is someone who is emotionally mature and also capable of maintaining good relationships and balanced emotional intimacy Concerning the practice-theoretical foundation, four basic themes were finally formulated by means of which progressive growth is accomplished. Firstly, the Christian counsellor becomes aware of important factors regarding his/her emotional life. Secondly, this process then flows over into deeper self-knowledge. The moment change regarding self-intimacy is brought about attention can thirdly be given to spiritual functioning. Fourthly, the individual who has received healing and enrichment can now utilise it in the work context in order to manage it better. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

This research study considered the experience of northern helping practitioners in providing trauma support in isolated communities in northern BC and Yukon. In these communities, access to specialists in the field of trauma counselling is severely restricted due to distance from main centres. Economic and cultural factors leave the essential support of survivors of trauma to helping practitioners in various fields with varying levels of training and supervision (Boone, Minore, Katt, & Kinch, 1997; Trippany, Kress, & Wilcoxon, 2004). Many northern communities have experienced historical trauma and continue to experience intergenerational trauma, contributed to by current psychosocial conditions linked to the legacy of colonization (Brave Heart, 2003; Duran, Duran, Brave Heart & Davis-Yellow Horse, 1998; Tafoya & Del Vecchio, 1996). In remote communities, helping practitioners may be working in their home communities, sometimes sharing similar trauma experiences to that of their clients (Morrissette & Naden, 1998). Helping practitioners in the North are also hired from “outside” to provide service to communities, arriving with limited knowledge of the specific context of the communities. These helping practitioners may be put at personal and professional risk of developing secondary traumatic symptoms from repeated exposure to clients’ trauma in the helping relationship (Baird & Jenkins, 2003). There is little information available on professional and paraprofessional workers providing this type of support in the North. Using a narrative inquiry process, the stories of eight helping practitioners were analyzed using a three phase analysis based on the approach developed by Lieblich, Tuval-Mashiach, and Zilber (1998). The narratives were summarized into experience portraits, painting a picture of eight very different experiences and responses to those experiences. The content analysis was presented as content sketches that made-up the experience portraits. The themes that emerged from the data indicated the effects on practitioners and the strategies used by practitioners in maintaining their ability to practice under challenging conditions. Ten categories provided a structure for arranging the data. Five metathemes were interpreted from the narratives: helping takes over life, humanity, respectful engagement, invested and embedded, profoundly affected, and belief.