Vicarious Trauma

Repeated exposure to the trauma, suffering, and difficult experiences of others can have a lasting impact. Healthcare providers, therapists, first responders, attorneys, and others whose work regularly brings them into contact with trauma may find that what they encounter professionally begins to affect them personally.

Over time, you may notice emotional exhaustion, irritability, difficulty disconnecting from work, intrusive thoughts or images, changes in sleep, or a growing sense of detachment. These changes can develop gradually and may be easy to overlook, particularly when you are accustomed to continuing to function despite them.

Greater emotional balance – feeling less overwhelmed by what you encounter through your work.

Reduced reactivity – easing intrusive thoughts, triggers, and heightened stress responses.

Greater separation from work – being better able to leave difficult experiences at work rather than carrying them into your personal life.

Restored connection – reconnecting with yourself, your relationships, and life outside of your professional role.

Renewed capacity – continuing to engage in meaningful work without feeling consumed by its emotional weight.

Treatment is individualized and may incorporate EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, and other evidence-based approaches to address both specific experiences and the cumulative impact of repeated exposure.

For professionals with demanding schedules, EMDR intensives offer another option. Intensives provide dedicated time for treatment within a single day or across multiple days and may be particularly useful when there are specific experiences or cumulative exposures you would like to address.

I offer treatment in person in Pasadena and via telehealth throughout California and Arizona.