What Is Vicarious Trauma?

Vicarious resilience (VR) occurs through a process by which clinicians experience positive transformation and empowerment through their empathic engagement with clients. This happens despite the specific nature of the trauma material, and is more centrally related to self-efficacy and demonstrated competence with achieving desired treatment outcomes. Vicarious resilience (VR), often used synonymously with posttraumatic growth, occurs through a process by which clinicians additionally experience positive transformation and empowerment through their empathic engagement with clients. Mental health professionals who work with victims of trauma may also find that they are better equipped to address negative experiences in a resourceful manner as a result of their work experiences. Mental health professionals and others who provide services to victims of trauma may find motivation to continue engaging in their trauma work as a result of their professional experiences. Perhaps one of the most important outcomes of providing services to victims of trauma is that of hope for future.