Ken Genlik

Working in a highly stressful environment, such as an under-resourced school, can take its toll on our health and well-being. Indeed, chronic stress causes wear and tear on the body and brain, and is associated with weakened immune system systems and a number of serious illnesses that are leading causes of death. Teachers who work with traumatized students may suffer from chronic stress and vicarious trauma—without even realizing it.  Many educators who work day-in and day-out with youth who have experienced trauma find that they begin exhibiting symptoms similar to those of their students—even when they haven’t had to endure trauma themselves. Vicarious trauma can negatively affect your life, your work, your colleagues, the overall functioning of the organization, and the quality of assistance being provided to those you are working to help. Your sense of commitment and responsibility can eventually contribute to feeling burdened, overwhelmed, and hopeless in the face of great need and suffering. Vicarious trauma influences the way you act and interact with people you love. This affects your family and friends. Vicarious trauma changes the way you see the world and your deepest sense of meaning, connection and hope. This training explores some of the strategies that can help you recognize, reduce, and transform the negative changes that come from vicarious trauma in your professional and personal life.