Understanding Vicarious Trauma and Secondary Traumatic Stress

Vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress are terms used to describe the indirect trauma we experience when exposed to others' trauma, whether it be through retelling of a story or through disturbing images on the internet. There are many ways we can experience vicarious trauma.

As human beings, we are naturally empathetic and can feel others' pain and suffering. Some people however work in a profession and environment that deals with others' trauma all day long and so are more prone to trauma and its effects. Public safety communications professionals are examples of those such people. These first responders are the first point of contact with someone directly experiencing trauma.

With us to walk us through the complex concepts of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and burnout in relation to public safety communication professionals is Françoise Mathieu, Executive Director at TEND Academy.

Françoise Mathieu is a sought-after speaker and educator in Canada, the U.S. and around the world. With over 20 years of work in the field of mental health, she brings with her extensive experience as a crisis councillor, and nearly a decade of working with Health Canada’s CFMAP (Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program). Françoise co-founded TEND with Dr. Patricia Fisher and divides her time between public speaking engagements and working with organisations looking to train their teams about burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, high stress workplaces, self care and helper wellness.

If you are effected by any of the issues talked about in today's episode please visit TEND Academy's website to find resources and help. Please also do not hesitate to contact us at Consort Strategy.

Visit TEND Academy's website to find out more about the work they do: https://www.tendacademy.ca/

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