Therapist, Trauma and Meaning

This book examines the potential psycho-spiritual development of therapist on the journey of trauma therapy. The intention was to raise awareness of the bright side of dealing with trauma survivors. This book aims to assist trauma therapists’ understanding of the nature of work-related traumatic stress or vicarious traumatisation (VT) and how to mindfully manage and transcend vicarious traumatic experiences in a therapeutic relationship. The emerging theory of this study reveals that therapists go through three main psycho-spiritual developmental stages: processing trauma – to protect from VT, transforming trauma - to transcend the VT experiences, and living trauma – to integrate the VT experiences to enhance sustainability. This book has suggestions with regard to spiritual and personal developmental implications for trauma practice. This portrait and the relationship of spirituality, social support and trauma to growth have implications for social workers in all practice areas in particular in a traumatic context. Applying a multidisciplinary approach, this book will be practical for all helping professionals who are serving trauma survivors and have experienced vicarious trauma.