The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund
The Stepping In It Podcast is a weekly discussion of the latest news and trends in behavioral health policy development and practice. Each episode features interviews with experts from across the field, including policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and advocates. The podcast provides listeners with practical tips and resources for improving the quality and access to behavioral health care.
The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund
67. Vicarious Trauma in the Workplace: Caring for Employees and Ourselves
In this episode, we explore the hidden impact of vicarious trauma on employees, especially those exposed to traumatic stories through their work. After our whiny farmer intro (the combine is running till midnight, and someone might fall asleep on-air!), we break down how chronic stress, burnout, and vicarious trauma differ—and why it's essential to recognize this emotional residue. Drawing on data from leading research institutions, we discuss how vicarious trauma affects professionals across fields like healthcare, justice, and counseling, sometimes mirroring PTSD symptoms. Finally, we offer actionable strategies for fostering awareness, setting boundaries, and staying connected to maintain balance. Whether you're an employer or employee, this episode provides insights to protect well-being at work.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Master navigating behavioral health system challenges for more effective support.
- Uncover the critical knowledge of understanding vicarious trauma in corrections work.
- Discover powerful strategies for managing compassion fatigue and re-energize your passion for helping others.
- Explore the profound impact of secondary traumatic stress on professionals in the field.
- Learn to create and implement effective self-care policies for high-risk occupations.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction to Behavioral Health Systems
00:00:44 - Challenges of Behavioral Health
00:01:31 - Impact of Vicarious Trauma
00:02:19 - Link Between Chronic Stress and Burnout
00:10:56 - Coping Strategies for Vicarious Trauma
00:12:28 - The Impact of Trauma Storytelling
00:13:23 - Choosing the Right People to Talk to
00:14:27 - The Benefits of Therapy and Professional Help
00:16:32 - Finding the Right Therapist for Trauma Treatment
00:22:54 - Implementing Sustainable Workplace Support
00:24:45 - Importance of Calendaring and Planning Ahead
00:25:23 - Balancing Personal and Work Commitments
00:25:50 - Planning for Grown Children's Involvement in Holidays
00:26:24 - Wrap-Up and Recap of Vicarious Trauma Discussion
Links:
- https://publichealth.wustl.edu/professional-helpers-can-experience-vicarious-trauma/
- https://research.iscrr.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/2301134/226_REP_RES_R01-Rapid-Review_Vicarious-trauma-FINAL.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8421644/
Connect with us:
https://ruralpolicypartners.com/
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https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YjQBBwxjx58