Vicarious trauma among therapeutic service providers: a mixed methods evaluation
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the experience of vicarious trauma and strategies that therapeutic service providers (TSPs) use to manage vicarious trauma in their practice using a mixed method survey. Significant differences were found across demographic groups, with women, private practice, younger, and less experienced TSPs reporting higher levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress compared to their counterparts, although many reported satisfaction with their jobs. Participants tended to report more individual-level preventative and management strategies as opposed to supervisor-level strategies, such as intentional self-care, support seeking, mindfulness, and engaging in a strategic mentality to avoid burnout.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Trauma and Emergency Care Studies
Injury Epidemiology and Prevention
Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Social Work in Mental Health
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 24
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 403–422
- Publication date
- 8 January 2026
- Language
- EN