Program to Reduce the Effects of Vicarious Trauma in Second Year Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students Working with Trauma Exposed Clients

Exposure to trauma affects the lives of those in the United States in a multitude of ways. One must not experience traumatic events directly to experience their impact. Individuals can also be affected by trauma indirectly. Clinicians engaged with traumatized individuals risk experiencing vicarious trauma. The effects of working therapeutically with victims of trauma impact the lives of the clinicians and the quality of care they are able to provide to their clients. Vicarious trauma has the power to disrupt clinicians' core psychological foundation, interpersonal relationships, worldview, mental and physical health, and career. Clinical psychology graduate students in their first practicum experience are at an increased risk for the negative consequences of working with traumatized individuals. This study, is the development of a skills and peer support group for clinical psychology students in their first practicum experience working with trauma exposed clients. Through this program, participants will understand and cope with vicarious traumatization to, prevent premature career change, ensure the best quality of therapeutic care for clients, and enrich their lives.