Are you struggling with the effects of vicarious trauma (also known as secondary trauma?
Right now, you may be experiencing:
- Feeling deeply affected emotionally by the traumatic stories or experiences of others you work with or care for (clients, patients, family members)
- Intrusive thoughts, images, or nightmares related to others’ traumatic experiences
- Increased cynicism, hopelessness, or a negative shift in your worldview after repeated exposure to suffering
- Emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, or feeling numb and disconnected
- Heightened anxiety, fear, or hypervigilance, even outside of work
- Difficulty maintaining professional boundaries, feeling overly responsible for those you help
- Changes in your personal relationships, withdrawing from loved ones or experiencing increased irritability
You’re realizing that vicarious trauma is getting in the way of your life:
- Your ability to be present and empathetic in your professional role is diminishing (compassion fatigue)
- Your personal life is suffering due to emotional spillover, burnout, or withdrawal
- You feel disillusioned or burnt out from your helping profession (therapist, healthcare worker, social worker, lawyer, first responder, etc.)
- Your own sense of safety and well-being feels compromised by constant exposure to trauma
- You struggle to find joy, hope, or balance in your life
- You might be using unhealthy coping mechanisms to manage the emotional toll
You’re wondering…
- How can I continue doing this work without it destroying me?
- Is it normal to be so affected by other people’s trauma?
- What’s the difference between burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma?
- Can I protect myself from absorbing so much pain?
- Will I ever regain my sense of hope or effectiveness?
- Could EMDR help me process the impact of the traumatic material I’m exposed to?
You’re longing for…
- Relief from the intrusive thoughts and emotional weight of others’ trauma.
- Renewed energy, empathy, and passion for your helping profession.
- Healthy boundaries that protect your well-being while allowing you to remain effective.
- Strategies to process and release the traumatic material you encounter.
- A restored sense of hope, meaning, and personal well-being.
- Sustainable ways to engage in demanding work without sacrificing yourself.
How we can help you.
At Evergreen Counseling, we understand the significant toll that vicarious trauma takes on helping professionals and caregivers. Constant exposure to the suffering and traumatic experiences of others can profoundly alter your own emotional landscape and worldview. Our EMDR therapists are experienced in working with professionals impacted by secondary trauma. EMDR can be effectively used to target and process the specific disturbing stories, images, or feelings absorbed from others' experiences that have become lodged in your own system.
What you’re longing for is possible.
By pursuing EMDR therapy for vicarious trauma at Evergreen Counseling, you can imagine the following:
Feeling overwhelmed.
Experiencing relief from vicarious trauma symptoms.
Emotionally exhausted.
Processing absorbed traumatic material.
Cynical.
Establishing healthier boundaries.
Burdened by the traumatic experiences of others.
Resilience for your work and personal life.
What if I’m Not Ready?
Not Quite Ready to Book a Complimentary Concierge Matching Call? That’s Okay.
We understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make this decision easier for you.
Starting therapy can bring up mixed feelings—part of you might be eager, while another part hesitates to confront deeply buried emotions. You might doubt whether therapy can help, especially if you’ve struggled for a long time or had disappointing experiences with untrained therapists or life coaches. At Evergreen Counseling, our trauma-trained therapists are deeply committed to providing expert care.
Here’s How We Can Help You Move Forward
- Complimentary Concierge Matching Call: Our concierge matching call is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you—without any obligation.
- Reimbursement Options: Concerned about the cost? We can guide you on how to get reimbursed for therapy using your out-of-network insurance benefits, making high-quality care more accessible to you.
- Informed Decision: Whether you’re ready to start or still exploring your options, we want you to feel fully informed and confident in your choice.
