2.6 Symptoms of Vicarious Trauma
Rosenbloom, Pratt and Pearlmann (1995) argue that VT can be unexpected and symptoms may not be detectable for quite some time. Physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms such as sleep disturbances, trust issues, safety concerns, intrusive imagery, intimacy issues and a sense of frustration with clients are all common symptoms of VT. Furthermore, work related issues and interpersonal problems may likely occur with VT (Sommer, 2008). Pearlman and Saaktvine (1995) are of the view that the symptoms of VT are permanent and can be evident in both a therapist’s professional and personal life. Based on the research available it can be argued that therapists may not want to be seen as having difficulties in their clinical practice. Therefore, the therapist may ignore the signs of VT, stop taking new clients and fail to speak openly about their experiences …show more content…
However, recent studies have shown that VT may be experienced by other personnel. These individuals may work as clergy (Day, Vermilyea, Wilkerson, & Giller, 2006), social workers (Pryce, Shackelford, Price, D 2007), professionals of the justice system (Peters, 2007), health care personnel, journalists and first responders (Shah, as cited in Kapur, & Smith, 2010). As highlighted by Mathieu (2012), between 40-85% of “helping professionals” experience Vicarious Trauma, Compassion Fatigue and high rates of symptoms of Trauma. Lobel (1997) asserts that 70% of therapists who work with survivors of sexual assault experience VT. Meldrum et al (2002) found that 18% of mental health workers in Australia experience symptoms which are equivalent to those who receive a diagnosis of PTSD. Saakvitne, Gamble, Pearlman, & Tabor, (2000) argue that VT is unavoidable and is a natural result of being
Rosenbloom, Pratt and Pearlmann (1995) argue that VT can be unexpected and symptoms may not be detectable for quite some time. Physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms such as sleep disturbances, trust issues, safety concerns, intrusive imagery, intimacy issues and a sense of frustration with clients are all common symptoms of VT. Furthermore, work related issues and interpersonal problems may likely occur with VT (Sommer, 2008). Pearlman and Saaktvine (1995) are of the view that the symptoms of VT are permanent and can be evident in both a therapist’s professional and personal life. Based on the research available it can be argued that therapists may not want to be seen as having difficulties in their clinical practice. Therefore, the therapist may ignore the signs of VT, stop taking new clients and fail to speak openly about their experiences …show more content…
However, recent studies have shown that VT may be experienced by other personnel. These individuals may work as clergy (Day, Vermilyea, Wilkerson, & Giller, 2006), social workers (Pryce, Shackelford, Price, D 2007), professionals of the justice system (Peters, 2007), health care personnel, journalists and first responders (Shah, as cited in Kapur, & Smith, 2010). As highlighted by Mathieu (2012), between 40-85% of “helping professionals” experience Vicarious Trauma, Compassion Fatigue and high rates of symptoms of Trauma. Lobel (1997) asserts that 70% of therapists who work with survivors of sexual assault experience VT. Meldrum et al (2002) found that 18% of mental health workers in Australia experience symptoms which are equivalent to those who receive a diagnosis of PTSD. Saakvitne, Gamble, Pearlman, & Tabor, (2000) argue that VT is unavoidable and is a natural result of being