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Vicarious traumatization: A framework for understanding the psychological effects of working with victims
Author(s) -
Lisa McCann I.,
Pearlman Laurie Anne
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.2490030110
Subject(s) - psychotherapist , psychology , context (archaeology) , cognition , phenomenon , epistemology , psychiatry , paleontology , philosophy , biology
Abstract Within the context of their new constructivist self‐development theory, the authors discuss therapists' reactions to clients' traumatic material. The phenomenon they term “vicarious traumatization” can be understood as related both to the graphic and painful material trauma clients often present and to the therapist's unique cognitive schemas or beliefs, expectations, and assumptions about self and others. The authors suggest ways that therapists can transform and integrate clients' traumatic material in order to provide the best services to clients, as well as to protect themselves against serious harmful effects.