Vicarious traumatization may be prevented by ensuring that volunteers have adequate training and ongoing supervision. Knowing ahead of time what to expect can help volunteers develop coping strategies before coming face-to-face with difficult situations.
Being told that emotional reactions are to be expected and are normal can go a long way toward freeing up the volunteers to acknowledge what they are feeling and ask for help.
If the volunteers are aware of the potential for developing vicarious traumatization and are educated about the signs and symptoms, they will be more likely to be willing to take a break from their volunteer activities to allow time for decompression and rest.
The supervisors of volunteers have a huge responsibility for screening, training, and providing support on an ongoing basis. Regular group and/or individual meetings between the volunteers and their supervisors can provide for debriefings and evaluation of the volunteers’ state of emotional strength.
While it may be tempting in disaster situations to utilize anyone who volunteers, it’s essential to assess the ability of all volunteers to engage in working with those in crisis. It’s also vital to monitor the physical and emotional health of those volunteers.
Teaching and reinforcing the necessity for self-care is an essential aspect of good supervision.
Treatment of vicarious trauma in volunteers will be the subject of my next blog entry.
Hope Makes Healing Possible!
Patricia Sherman, Ph.D., LCSW
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