Early in my career, I didn’t question the weight I sometimes carried home after sessions.
I’d notice a tiredness that wasn’t just physical but I didn’t have a framework for understanding it. I thought that was just part of being in this work.
Over time, I’ve come to understand vicarious trauma less as something sudden, and more as something that builds quietly when there isn’t enough space to process what we’re absorbing.
What’s made the biggest difference for me has been shifting from reactive coping to preventative practice:
– Noticing early signs of emotional overwhelm, not just burnout
– Building in transition rituals between client work and personal life
– Having spaces where I’m not in a holding or attuning role
– Reflecting regularly on what is mine to carry, and what isn’t
– Prioritising supervision and peer connection before things feel urgent
– Scheduling time at least once a week to do something that brings me joy, safety, or a sense of flow
What stands out most is this: prevention is less about doing more, and more about creating enough internal and external space to metabolise the work as you go.
I work with case managers, social workers, and therapists who are navigating workplace stress, burnout and those looking to build more sustainable ways of being in their work. If that resonates, you can learn more at samanthaduartetherapy.ca