Discussing Racial Trauma and Vicarious Trauma in Our Practice

Addressing Intersectional Trauma Matters

As trauma therapists, we know that vicarious trauma is a normal part of the job; when we engage empathically with our clients, we will absorb some of their pain.

You can’t walk through water and expect not to get wet.

But when you add the layer of racial trauma—whether personally experienced or witnessed—the weight on our shoulders can feel even heavier.

Ignoring the intersection of racial trauma and vicarious trauma not only tanks our well-being but also our effectiveness as trauma therapists.

Addressing these intertwined experiences then is essential for both our personal resilience and the care we provide to our clients.

Understanding Racial Trauma and Vicarious Trauma

Defining Racial Trauma

Racial trauma occurs when people experience racism, whether in obvious or less obvious ways.

Direct verbal or physical attacks are clear examples, but more insidious forms of racial trauma often happen as microaggressions—small, subtle actions or remarks that convey prejudice and cause harm.

For trauma therapists, this isn’t just something we see in our clients; it’s often something we experience ourselves.

Particularly for therapists of color, the emotional toll of racial trauma adds to the already heavy weight of this work, compounded by the vicarious trauma we naturally absorb through our work.

Defining Vicarious Trauma

Vicarious trauma is a normal, though challenging, part of being a trauma therapist.

It happens whether you like it or not when you experience empathic engagement with clients (as you should!), absorbing some of the trauma they are working through.

Over time, this can lead to emotional, physical, relational, and occupational struggles if left unmanaged.

The stress of vicarious trauma might manifest as anxiety, sleep difficulties, or even a compromised immune system.

Relationally, we might find ourselves withdrawing or experiencing conflicts.

In our work, this can lead to avoidance of certain cases or, conversely, overworking to numb the effects.

The key to managing vicarious trauma lies in acknowledging it and actively seeking ways to wring out our trauma therapist sponge.

The Intersection of Racial Trauma and Vicarious Trauma

Compounded Impact on Therapists of Color

For trauma therapists of color, the intersection of racial and vicarious trauma can be overwhelming.

The daily reality of experiencing racial trauma, combined with absorbing the vicarious trauma of clients—often related to their own experiences of racism—creates a compounded effect that is not easily shaken off.

This dual exposure can lead to even more intense emotional. physical, relational, and occupational stress, making it even more important for therapists of color to have outlets and strategies that specifically address these intertwined challenges.

The Role of White Therapists in Addressing Racial Trauma

White therapists, while not personally experiencing racial trauma, often work with clients who do.

Engaging deeply with these clients’ experiences requires a recognition of the racial trauma they face.

This engagement can amplify the vicarious trauma felt by the therapist, highlighting the need for white therapists to be conscious of and responsive to these dynamics.

Why Addressing Both is Essential for Effective Therapy

Impact on Therapist Well-Being

Failing to address both racial and vicarious trauma can have serious consequences for therapists and the clients they serve.

Without proper acknowledgment and management, these intersecting traumas can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and potentially harm done to clients.

Impact on Client Outcomes

If we, as therapists, fail to recognize and address the intersection of racial and vicarious trauma, our clients are the ones who ultimately suffer.

For clients of color, in particular, the therapeutic process may feel incomplete or invalidating if their racial trauma isn’t fully acknowledged.

This can weaken the therapeutic alliance and hinder progress.

Ensuring that our clients feel fully seen and understood in their experiences is absolutely necessary for them to heal.

Practical Steps to Integrate Racial Trauma Discussions in Therapy

Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue

One of the most important steps we can take as trauma therapists is creating a safe environment where discussions about racial trauma can take place openly.

This starts with our own ongoing self-reflection, a commitment to education, and a willingness to confront our own biases.

We also have to be able to communicate with our clients that their experiences with racial trauma are valid and worthy of discussion in therapy.

This validation can be incredibly healing in itself.

Accessing Community and Support Networks

Community support is central to managing the intersection of racial and vicarious trauma for trauma therapists.

Knowing you have colleagues who truly understand and value this work is more important than you know!

The quarterly Racial Trauma and Vicarious Trauma Spaceholder Meetings are an excellent resource for therapists looking to engage in these conversations within a supportive community.

These meetings provide a space to process and share strategies for managing these intersecting forms of trauma in our practice.

Next Steps

As trauma therapists, we cannot afford to ignore the intersection of racial trauma and vicarious trauma. Our well-being and the effectiveness of our work depend on addressing these issues head-on.

I invite you to join the upcoming Racial Trauma and Vicarious Trauma Spaceholder Meeting with Jenny Hughes and Tawanna Woolfolk on August 26.

This free event offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about these critical issues with fellow trauma therapists.

Plus, there’s an option to purchase 2 CE credits upon registration!

Let’s come together as a community to support each other in this work.

Sign up here and take the next step in addressing racial trauma and vicarious trauma in your practice.

When you join us, you’ll get to connect with fellow trauma therapists, share your experiences, and gain valuable tools to navigate the complexities of our work and the world around us.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey.

Together, we can support each other through the toughest times and continue to provide the best care for our clients. Use the strategies and insights shared here to help manage your own well-being and to stay true to your professional values.