In-Congress Workshop 22 - Resilience for Trauma-informed Professionals: Protecting Clinicians and Researchers from the Effects of Exposure to Secondary Traumatic Stress

Exposure to secondary traumatic stress (STS) is increasingly recognized as an occupational hazard for those whose work involves exposure to trauma-related information or provision of services to trauma-affected individuals, as frequently occurs amongst professionals who conduct cognitive-behavioral therapies as well as those research the effectiveness of CBTs for clients with trauma exposure. Although recommended strategies for addressing STS typically focus on individual self-care, the evidence base supporting such interventions is weak and inconclusive. Alternatively, promising new evidence-informed approaches focus on fostering the development of professional skills for increasing resilience amongst those exposed to secondary trauma. This presentation will outline the conceptual model underlying one such approach and will introduce participants to key tools for promoting resilience in the aftermath of STS exposures in both clinical and research contexts. Going beyond individual self-care, specific competencies are targeted, including skills to recognize STS reactions, enhance emotion regulation, identify and dispel unhelpful appraisals, and develop a mutually-supportive, STS-aware social ecology in the workplace that promotes resilience and compassion satisfaction amongst both clinical and research staff .