The process of consciously identifying negative, untrue, or unhelpful thoughts that ruminate in one’s mind and strategically changing the cognitive script.
Published in Chapter:
Hidden Occupational Hazards for Social Service Providers
Copyright: © 2021
|Pages: 24
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-7348-8.ch008
Abstract
Burnout, secondary traumatic stress (STS), and vicarious trauma (VT) are occupational hazards for those who work in social service settings, specifically social workers, therapists, counselors, correctional rehabilitative staff, and case managers who encounter the physical, emotional, and/or sexual trauma of others. Research surrounding these phenomena continues to expand, shedding light on the development, symptomology, potential risk and protective factors, and effective means of prevention. This chapter addresses the common pathways of burnout, STS, and VT development. The differences between the terms and the unique hazards to those who work with traumatized individuals will be discussed. Additionally, the chapter will discuss posttraumatic growth techniques, which are purposeful activities and cognitive mindsets that counteract the potential hazards of working with traumatized clients. Finally, the chapter will examine the implications for academic programs, supervisors, and agencies to better support providers.