Vicarious traumatization, spirituality, and the treatment of sexual abuse survivors: A national survey of women psychotherapists

Should psychotherapists limit their clinical work with trauma survivors to avoid being traumatized themselves? Vicarious traumatization (VT)-the symptoms similar to posttraumatic stress disorder and the disruption in cognitive-schemas reported in clinicians who are exposed to the trauma material of their clients-was assessed in a national survey of 1,000 women psychotherapists. Therapists with higher levels of exposure to sequel abuse material reported significantly more trauma symptoms but no significant disruption of cognitive schemas. Spiritual well-being, a key area thought to be damaged by VT, was found to be higher for those clinicians who saw more sexual abuse survivors.