Hearing about or working around other people's trauma may affect attention, sleep, emotions, or a sense of safety. You do not need to retell the material to acknowledge its impact. Focus on your functioning and the support available within and beyond the workplace.
How to use this page
Use broad descriptions without client identifiers or event details. Stop if the exercise increases distress and seek appropriate support.
Notice changes in functioning
Describe a recent change and when it appears, such as after particular duties or exposure patterns. Do not infer a diagnosis from one reaction.
Choose more than individual coping
Consider confidential supervision, exposure or caseload review, peer support with privacy boundaries, and personal clinical care. Organizational conditions and access to support deserve attention alongside individual needs.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions in conversation, on paper, or in the downloaded PDF. You may adapt or skip a prompt.
- What broad work exposure or duty is relevant without describing a client's trauma?
- What change in my functioning or sense of safety have I noticed?
- What workplace condition or support needs review?
- Who can provide confidential consultation or care, and how will I contact them?