Do "Healers" need to "Heal"? Secondary Trauma among Psychologists, Counsellors, and Healers.

Healers, therapists, and counsellors are crucial in supporting individuals through their emotional struggles, trauma, and mental health challenges. They are the pillars of strength, compassion, and understanding for their clients, guiding them towards healing and growth.

However, in the process of helping others, these professionals can often find themselves experiencing secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue. This phenomenon refers to the emotional and psychological toll that caring for and empathising with traumatised individuals can have on the mental health of the healers themselves.?

What is Secondary Trauma?

Secondary trauma occurs when professionals in the helping and healing professions are consistently exposed to their clients' traumatic experiences. The deep emotional engagement required in therapy or counselling can accumulate distressing emotions and empathetic responses. This prolonged exposure to the suffering of others can result in feelings of helplessness, sadness, anxiety, and even trauma symptoms in the healers themselves.

Effects of Secondary Trauma

Emotional Exhaustion: Healers, therapists, and counsellors may be emotionally drained after extended periods of supporting trauma survivors. The constant exposure to distressing narratives can lead to feelings of hopelessness and fatigue.

Reduced Empathy: As secondary trauma takes its toll, some professionals might notice a decreased ability to empathise with their clients. This emotional numbing can hinder the therapeutic alliance and may impair the effectiveness of treatment.

Emotional Dysregulation: Secondary trauma can cause emotional dysregulation in healers, leading to mood swings, irritability, and difficulty managing emotions.

Intrusive Thoughts: Healers may experience intrusive and distressing thoughts about their clients' traumatic experiences. These thoughts can persist outside work hours, affecting their personal lives.

Avoidance Behaviour: To protect themselves from further distress, some therapists may begin to avoid certain types of clients or specific topics related to trauma. This can lead to limitations in their ability to provide comprehensive care.

Sense of Isolation: Healers may feel isolated in their experiences, as they might fear discussing their struggles with colleagues or supervisors due to stigma or concerns about professional competency.

Physical Symptoms: Secondary trauma can also manifest in physical symptoms such as frequent headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and sleep disturbances.

Coping Strategies for Healers, Therapists, and Counsellors

• Self-Care: Practising self-care is essential for healers to maintain their emotional and mental well-being. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones, can help manage stress.
• Professional Supervision: Regular supervision sessions with experienced colleagues or supervisors can provide a safe space to process difficult emotions and receive guidance on handling challenging cases.
• Boundaries: Setting clear boundaries with clients is crucial to prevent emotional burnout. Professionals should be mindful of the number of clients they see daily and ensure they have time for breaks and self-reflection.
• Seeking Supervision/ Support: Healers should not hesitate to seek support from their therapists or counsellors. Having a confidential outlet to discuss their experiences can be immensely beneficial.
• Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help healers stay present in the moment, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness of their emotional responses.
• Peer Support Groups: Connecting with fellow healers who understand their profession's challenges can provide camaraderie and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Continuing Training: Participating in workshops, seminars, and training on managing secondary trauma can enhance a healer's knowledge and equip them with coping strategies.
• Taking Breaks: Taking regular breaks from work and allowing time for rejuvenation is vital for long-term well-being. Vacations and time away from work can help healers recharge and return with renewed energy.

The work of healers, therapists, and counsellors is invaluable in supporting individuals through their traumas and mental health challenges. However, these dedicated professionals are not immune to the effects of secondary trauma. Prolonged exposure to the suffering of others can lead to emotional exhaustion, reduced empathy, and intrusive thoughts, among other effects. Recognizing the signs of secondary trauma is essential for these professionals to take proactive steps to protect their well-being. Implementing coping strategies such as self-care, seeking support, setting boundaries, and participating in continuing education can help healers navigate the challenges of their profession while ensuring they maintain their emotional resilience. By prioritising their mental health, healers can continue to provide the best possible care to those they serve, creating a cycle of compassion and healing in the therapeutic relationship.