Preventing Secondary Trauma Elliott Connie, MA, LPC Wednesday October 12, 2011

Greetings! What are you best hopes for attending this workshop? What else? 2

Finish the Following Sentence… In small groups finish the following sentence, “One of the ways I have been pleased about the way I have been going about my work in the past days and weeks is…” And another 3

Secondary Trauma Secondary trauma is commonly referred to as "the stress resulting from helping or wanting to help a traumatized or suffering person. 4

Tips to Prevent Secondary Trauma Focus on what the client wants. Connect with the client beyond the trauma (problem free talk) Listen to the trauma story with a constructive ear. Listen for what life was like either before the trauma occurred or when the client is able to overcome it. (Exceptions) Focus the conversation on the details of the desired future. ALWAYS end the conversation with positive feedback 5

Best Hopes Must be client led. Establishes a goal for the conversation Focuses on the presence of something Problem description in not required, in fact, can be detrimental in couples therapy Related to their partner’s hopes Concrete and observable 6

In Groups of Three Client, Therapist, Observer Role a play a conversation until the therapist has worked with the client to establish a “best hopes” for the conversation. Rotate until everyone gets a turn. 7

In Pairs One person is the interviewer and the other is the interviewee The interview have a conversation with the interviewee asking questions about anything except for a problem or their work life. Switch roles 8

Listening with a Constructive Ear Listen for signs of: – Signs of strength – Evidence of resource – Past successes – Personal Achievement 9

Exceptions 10 Times when the client forgets to follow the “problem rule”. What they do instead is a potential exception. There are always exceptions, no problem happens all of the time. These exceptions have to be pointed out and amplified to the client.

Preferred Future 11 Concrete and observable Mathematically positive Future focused Realistic Requires mutual effort Recognized as having a desirable impact on the client’s life and their loved ones Detailed (can never have too many details)

In the Same Groups of Three 12 Therapist, Observer, Client Suppose you woke up tomorrow and the traumatic event was no longer bothering you allowing you, what would you first notice? X 10 Rotate until everyone gets a turn.

End the Conversation with Positive Feedback 13 Allows the client to recall the interaction as positive. Increases client follow through with developed strategies. Empowers the client to use their best traits identified in the conversation.

In the Same Groups of Tell the members of the group you have been working with 5 things you have noticed about them that you have appreciated.

Conclusion 15 Update on Marsha What will you take away from our time here today? What else?

Contact Elliott 16 Phone: (817) Website: