Vicarious Trauma and Resiliency

Working with traumatized people can erode workers’ compassion and empathy as the shared experience of trauma becomes overwhelming. Resiliency refers to the ability to withstand the stresses and strains of life and work and have a strong capacity for adaptation. Resilient people tend to display certain personality traits, but in addition, have robust daily practices that keep them mentally and physically strong.

Workers in the human services field can improve client outcomes and reduce turnover or staffing shortages by taking steps to improve their personal resiliency profile. Building resiliency is not one-size-fits-all and starts with developing a set of personal wellness strategies. Practicing resiliency skills to manage exposure to traumatic stress in the workplace promotes a trauma-informed environment. When resiliency skills are practiced regularly, workers improve their capacity to be more person-centered and culturally responsive, improving the likelihood of positive outcomes for program participants. This class explores the problem of chronic unremitting stress on our overactive and distracted brains and offers a set of different skill sets for robust mental health that can be learned and practiced by anyone.

• Recognize warning signs of vicarious trauma

• Examine key areas of physical health and active relaxation skills

• Increase positive emotions and counter negative thinking

MN Board of Social Work

2.0 CEUs

MN Board of Nursing

This activity has been designed to meet the Minnesota Board of Nursing continuing education requirements. However, the nurse is responsible for determining whether this activity meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education.