Trauma-Informed Supervision: The Supervisory Needs of Mental Health Therapists Engaged in Trauma-Related Work

Authors

Erynne H. Shatto, Austin Peay State UniversityFollow
James Stefurak Ph.D., University of South AlabamaFollow
Amy E. Rinner, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New OrleansFollow
Lacy M. Kantra, Center for CALM LivingFollow

Document Type

Article

Keywords

trauma-informed supervision, trauma work, vicarious trauma

Subject Area

Clinical Supervision, Counselor Education, Mental Health Counseling

Abstract

We present the need for therapists who engage in trauma-specific work to receive trauma-informed supervision or consultation. This is based on the findings that the emotional labor required of trauma-specific work is high and increases a therapist’s risk for experiencing negative impacts from their work such as vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, unhelpful transference/countertransference, reminders of their own trauma, and burnout. Further, clients incur risks of receiving iatrogenic care when therapists engaged in trauma-related work are not given appropriate job related resources and/or receive ineffective supervision. We discuss a model for trauma-informed supervision, including supporting theory and initial guidelines for supervisors’ competence and activities. Specifically, we outline the knowledge and activities necessary for trauma supervisors to engage effectively in the clinical supervision of trauma sensitive cases and as advocates for therapists who engage in trauma sensitive work. We provide specific suggestions for supervisory intervention to reduce therapists’ negative experiences with trauma work and increase positive ones. Areas for future exploration conclude this initial dialogue, which is intended to be a catalyst for crafting an evolving framework for trauma-informed supervision.

Recommended Citation

Shatto, E. H., Stefurak, J., Rinner, A. E., & Kantra, L. M. (2023). Trauma-Informed Supervision: The Supervisory Needs of Mental Health Therapists Engaged in Trauma-Related Work. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 17(5). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/jcps/vol17/iss5/2