Vicarious Trauma: The Ethics of Self Care

When we speak for others who are suffering, when we are present to the worst aspects of human nature, how are we changed?

Interpreting can carry significant costs for the interpreter, and our ability to do our work with integrity and impartiality depends on the care with which we attend to our own mental and physical health. Long known to social service providers as a significant cause of personal and professional impairment, vicarious trauma is the experience of the symptoms of trauma by those who witness trauma or assist victims. In this conversation and meditation, we will discuss the risks of our work and provide simple practices to ensure that we remain healthy, competent, engaged professionals.

Learning objectives:

1. Understand the concept of vicarious trauma and its impact on professionals who witness or assist victims of trauma.
2. Recognize the symptoms and signs of vicarious trauma in oneself and others.
3. Discuss the personal and professional risks associated with interpreting for those experiencing suffering.
4. Learn simple practices and strategies to maintain mental and physical health while performing emotionally demanding work.
5. Explore the importance of self-care in sustaining professional integrity, competence, and engagement.

Presenters:

Sean Fitzpatrick, PhD, LPC, Executive Director, The Jung Center

Sean Fitzpatrick, PhD, LPC, holds master’s degrees in religious studies (Rice University) and clinical psychology (University of Houston – Clear Lake) and received his doctorate in psychology through Saybrook University’s program in Jungian studies. Sean is a psychotherapist in private practice and has been employed at The Jung Center since 1997. He has been an instructor at The Jung Center since 2001, and he lectures locally and nationally on a range of contemporary social and psychological issues.

Alejandro Chaoul, PhD, Director, Mind Body Spirit Institute

Dr. Alejandro Chaoul is a Senior Teacher of The 3 Doors, an international organization founded by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche with the goal of transforming lives through meditation. Alejandro has studied in the Tibetan tradition since 1989, and for over 20 years. He also holds a PhD in Tibetan religions from Rice University. Since 1995, he has been teaching meditation classes and Tibetan Yoga (Tsa Lung & Trul Khor) workshops nationally and internationally under the auspices of Ligmincha Institute and is on the Board of the Ligmincha Texas Institute for the Tibetan meditative and healing arts.

This event is co-hosted by MasterWord Services, The Jung Center, and The Jung Center’s Mind Body Spirit Institute Speakers.

MasterWord is a trauma-informed organization following the principles and best practices for the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime.