Domestic violence counselors and secondary traumatic stress (STS): A brief qualitative report and strategies for support.
Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Social Work in Mental Health
YU Faculty Profile
Abstract
Mental health counselors who provide trauma counseling to domestic violence survivors are exposed to catastrophic stories of danger, physical and emotional vulnerability. As counselors try to assess and treatment plan for and with survivors, they are often deeply affected. For some practitioners, bearing witness to these frightening narratives results in a sympathetic form of trauma known as secondary traumatic stress. This article reports on the findings from a convenience sampling of domestic violence shelter counselors (N = 11). Patterns of emotional reactions emerge as a result of two focus groups. Four themes emerged: 1) hypervigilance, 2) impact on personal life, 3) a shift in worldview and 4) methods of coping.
Description
Keywords
secondary traumatic stress, shelter counseling, domestic violence
Citation
Beckerman, N.L. & Wozniak, D.F. 2018. Domestic violence counselors and secondary traumatic stress (STS): A brief qualitative report and strategies for support. Social Work in Mental Health . 16(4): 470-490.