A paradox: those who work with trauma victims, simply by listening to them in certain ways, may gain personal benefit.

Recently clinicians have noticed effects other than vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, or burnout among those working with traumatized individuals or groups. Studies note a phenomenon, “Reciprocal Resilience” (RR), can occur among specialists whose work involves listening to stories told by victims of trauma. Despite the coexisting horror and empathy for victims, there is a concurrent surge and consolidation of one’s sense of resilience.

This workshop explores the dimensions of this newly studied phenomenon of reciprocal, or vicarious resilience. It will identify common, surprising beneficial responses prompted by RR. Case vignettes presented by the instructor and participants will provide an opportunity to observe techniques for promoting RR among those who do trauma related work.

Objectives

This workshop will help the participant:

1. Describe the phenomenon of Reciprocal Resilience (RR): its components and manifestations
2. Provide information about current research and findings about RR
3. Identify common, surprising beneficial responses prompted by RR
4. Describe a method for RR building that can be used as a model for promoting client, staff, organizational resilience
5. Provide an opportunity to observe techniques

Patricia Bratt, Ph.D. is a Director of the Academy of Clinical and Applied Psychoanalysis (ACAP) in Livingston, NJ. The ACAP Trauma and Resilience Program and Applied Psychoanalysis Division is where she developed ACAP’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team that served more than 3,000 victims of the 9/11 tragedy. She has served as faculty and training supervisor at several psychoanalytic institutes and has a private practice in NJ and NYC.

$15 in advance      |        $20 at the door     |      Students and Retirees:  No charge

1.5 CE Credits (included in fee)