Psychotherapists' vicarious traumatization during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19, psychotherapists are often exposed to traumatic material in their sessions, potentially leading to vicarious traumatization. We surveyed 339 therapists about their professional practices and experiences during the pandemic. Results showed that on average therapists experienced m...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inPsychological trauma Vol. 12; no. S1; p. S148
Main Authors Aafjes-van Doorn, Katie, Békés, Vera, Prout, Tracy A, Hoffman, Leon
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.08.2020
Subjects
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Coronavirus Infections - psychology
COVID-19
Cross-Sectional Studies
Empathy
Female
Health Personnel - psychology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pandemics
Pneumonia, Viral - psychology
Psychological Trauma - etiology
Psychological Trauma - psychology
Psychotherapy
Self Report
Young Adult
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:During the COVID-19, psychotherapists are often exposed to traumatic material in their sessions, potentially leading to vicarious traumatization. We surveyed 339 therapists about their professional practices and experiences during the pandemic. Results showed that on average therapists experienced moderate levels of vicarious trauma, whereas about 15% experienced high levels of vicarious trauma. A higher level of vicarious trauma was associated with younger age, less clinical experience, and negative online treatment experiences. The results imply a need for personal and professional support for therapists working remotely amid a global health crisis. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
ISSN:1942-969X
DOI:10.1037/tra0000868