112. Vicarious Trauma: Understanding the Hidden Impact of Bearing Others’ Stories Artwork

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.

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The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

112. Vicarious Trauma: Understanding the Hidden Impact of Bearing Others’ Stories

October 21, 2025 • Renee Schulte

In this episode of Stepping In It, we dive into the often-overlooked reality of vicarious trauma—the emotional residue left behind when professionals are repeatedly exposed to the pain, fear, and trauma of others. Sometimes called “secondary traumatization,” this phenomenon is distinct from burnout and is now recognized in the DSM-5 as a trauma- and stressor-related disorder. We explore the data behind its prevalence, unpack how it shows up in the lives of helping professionals, and share strategies for building resilience through awareness, balance, and connection. Whether you’re a clinician, advocate, or community leader, this conversation offers tools to navigate the weight of the stories you carry and sustain your own well-being.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Understand what vicarious trauma is and how it differs from burnout.
Explore the impact of secondary exposure to trauma on professionals in corrections, healthcare, and counseling.
Learn how constant exposure to traumatic stories can lead to emotional exhaustion and compassion fatigue.
Discover strategies for awareness, balance, and connection to protect helpers from secondary stress.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to Episode 112: Vicarious Trauma

00:04:29 - Shifting from Trauma in Individuals to Secondary Trauma in Professionals

00:05:18 - The Role of Media and Global Events in Amplifying Vicarious Trauma

00:06:05 - Experiences from the Parole Board and Layers of Trauma in Stories

00:07:44 - Defining Vicarious Trauma: Emotional Residue and Compassion Fatigue

00:09:08 - Controlled Empathy: The Exhaustion of Managing Reactions

00:10:00 - Mobile Crisis Experiences and Coping with Intense Situations

00:11:26 - Leadership Layers: Supporting Teams Exposed to Trauma

00:13:00 - Impact on Relationships: When Both Partners Work in Trauma Fields

00:13:53 - Confidentiality and the Challenge of Processing Trauma Stories at Home

00:22:31 - Mindset and Reframing: Choosing Positivity Amid Stress