How to take care of yourself during and after secondary Trauma
First off, what is secondary trauma?
Secondary Trauma, also known as secondary traumatic stress, is “the emotional duress that results when an individual hears about the firsthand trauma experiences of another. Its symptoms mimic those of post-traumatic stress disorder.” So if you are a social worker, counselor, therapist, police officer, foster parent, adoptive parent, nurse, doctor, EMT, etc… chances are you have experienced some secondary trauma.
I think that the thing most difficult part of secondary trauma is recognizing that it exists. Those of us who communicate with people experiencing traumatic stress cannot imagine that those experiences would translate to us, the helpers, but it does. If you are someone who works with or communicates with people who are living in traumatic stress then this week’s “Tales of the Warrior” is for you. Brandi Lea is joining me live on instagramlive @beautifulandbeloved on 1/15 at 12:30pm MST, we will talk all about how she handles her secondary trauma as a mama of kids with trauma and the leader of a non-profit who works in Africa with women who are single moms and often the survivors of horrific experiences. Along with her work as an advocate for women and children in Africa, Brandi is just an incredible human who has the kind of spirit that people want to confide in and be around. Strangers from the internet often find Brandi and tell her all about their traumas, people travel from all over the world to spend a week at her house to do healing prayer with Brandi and she walks with them through the most difficult times of their lives. Brandi was the beginning of my healing journey, she walked with me personally through the darkest days of my life. I absolutely cannot wait to share this conversation with you. If you are interested in joining us live, hop on to Instagram @beautifulandbeloved at 12:30 MST and you can not only see and hear from Brandi, but you can also ask her your questions yourself. If you can’t make it live, the recording will be on IGTV and youtube later in the week. I am also offering an embodiment practice that can help you if you are experiencing secondary traumatic stress. Just click the button below to receive your practice and future newsletters with notifications of the “Tales of the Warrior” guests and the gifts of healing they will share throughout 2020.
Brandi Lea holding a grieving mama who’s son was murdered while she holds his baby boy. Her grief, unmistakable. Her joy in her grandson, undeniable. Both stories written across her face. Both opportunities to enter in and hold space for. (via @brandilea on instagram)
If you want to get in tough with Brandi you can find her on instagram @brandilea and @beautyforashesuganda. If you were moved to donate to her mamas you can do that at www.beautyforashesuganda.com
