ABSTRACT
Clinicians who provide individual and group psychotherapy and other mental health services to traumatized populations may be especially subject to developing Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) or Vicarious Traumatization (VT). Vicarious Trauma (VT) also refers to exposure to others trauma experiences, but it is distinct in that it refers not only to various symptoms, but to changes to clinicians schemas, view of the world, and their relationships with others, similar to the changes that happen in a person who has experienced trauma. The difference between STS and VT is subtle but distinct, and the different definitions of what, exactly, constitutes adverse clinician responses is an obstacle in addressing the issue. The lack of diversity of patients in working with victims of disaster may be a barrier to preventing or addressing secondary or vicarious traumatic responses.
