Vicarious resilience: Complexities and variations.

Abstract

This article presents results from a qualitative study further exploring the concept of vicarious resilience. Thirteen therapists working with survivors of torture in 3 different locations were interviewed to better understand the complexities and variations of vicarious resilience. The analysis focuses on the therapists' perception of clients' resilience and the therapists' awareness of how this affects the therapists themselves. Four major themes emerge: change in the therapists' self-perception and their general outlook on the world, altered spirituality, modified thoughts about self-care, and new views on trauma work and connecting with clients. The results suggest that vicarious resilience can significantly influence therapists' personal lives as well as their therapeutic work. Therapists employing a strengths-based approach seem to be affected more by vicarious resilience. The results are situated within the growing body of literature that documents the positive effect of trauma work on therapists. The development of training curricula for strengthening therapists' awareness of vicarious resilience is recommended. (PsycINFO Database Record