ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the need for self-care among counselors who work with traumatized, addicted people. The impact on counselors of working with traumatized people is well-documented (Drake & Yadama, 1996; Farber & Hiefetz, 1982; Figley, 1995; Hesse, 2002; Kassam-Adams, 1995; McCann & Pearlman, 1990; Prichard, 2004; Regehr, Hemsworth, Leslie, Howe & Chau, 2004). What is missing in the literature is a body of research that examines the impact on counselors of working with co-existing trauma and addiction experiences. This is problematic because there is a body of research that clearly suggests comorbidity of PTSD and substance abuse (DiNitto et al., 2002; Hilarski, 2004; Khantzian, 1997; Schuckit & Hesselbrock, 1994).
