Open AccessWounded Healers: Coping with Vicarious Trauma among Mental Health Professionals
Author(s) -
Graziela B. Salvilla,
Chris John S. Bedoria
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
philippine social science journal (university of negros occidental-recoletos- online)/philippine social science journal (university of negros occidental-recoletos-print)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2704-288X
pISSN - 2672-3107
DOI - 10.52006/main.v4i4.433
Subject(s) - mental health , psychology , thematic analysis , coping (psychology) , competence (human resources) , narrative , clinical psychology , psychotherapist , qualitative research , social psychology , social science , linguistics , philosophy , sociology
Mental health professionals have been experiencing vicarious trauma due to their exposure to trauma-related cases. This study explored the coping strategies used by mental health professionals in dealing with vicarious trauma. A purposive sample of five (5) mental health professionals participated in this study. The study utilized Narrative Inquiry and Thematic Analysis to explore the stories of handling trauma cases and construct the central themes of coping strategies from vicarious trauma among mental health professionals. Findings of the study generated six central themes: a) recognition of experienced vicarious trauma symptoms, b) healthy personal and working relationships, c) fulfilling self-preserving needs, d) regulation of thought processes, e) professional competence and due care, and f) fate and faith. The results provided a holistic approach to vicarious trauma that targeted all dimensions of an individual; emotional, physiological, cognitive, occupational, and spiritual.