Anole Halper

While IDD organizations don’t have the power to prevent all stress or trauma, they do have the ability to address vicarious trauma in direct support by helping their staff build resilience.

Self-care is often touted for its potential to alleviate vicarious trauma, but it is not enough. Addressing vicarious trauma requires structural, cultural, and relational shifts in your organization.

Like everyone else, social workers have faced steep challenges during the pandemic. Support from leadership is vital as they keep providing client support.

The new year is a good time to reassess your strategies for success. These action items can get your human services organization off to a great start.

Promote resilience in your direct support professionals to help them stay anchored by their strength and professional values, even amid the stress of hard times.

As a behavioral health professional, you’re supporting clients while wading through the difficulties of 2020 yourself. But these challenges also bring opportunities for resilience.

Trauma affects the entire organization, not just the individuals within it. Promote healing with an organization-wide approach to trauma-informed care.

Research shows that good supervision in the field is trauma-informed supervision, which leverages the power of relationships to support both supervisees and clients.