Trauma Care Practices – Resources

Vicarious Trauma and the Professional Interpreter (Psychology Today), 2013 – Studies have shown that nearly all language interpreters experience some symptoms of vicarious trauma, burn out, compassion fatigue, or increased stress as a result of their repeated exposure to trauma information and story. The Trauma & Mental Health Report had the opportunity to speak with Simona, a Czech and Slovak language interpreter who mainly works with Czech, Slovak and Roma refugees and newly immigrated individuals; Simona spoke about her experiences as an interpreter.

The Hazards of Empathy: Vicarious Trauma of Interpreters for the Deaf (Michael A. Harvey, Ph.D) – Many interpreters report varying degrees of depression as well as other debilitating psychology symptoms which are psychologically driven. Our vicarious trauma serves as a catalyst for us to struggle with how and why oppresson exists and grapple with ways of minimizing it.

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit (OVC) – The VTT includes tools and resources tailored specifically to these fields that provide the knowledge and skills necessary for organizations to address the vicarious trauma needs of their staff.

Compassion Fatigue Awareness Test – Compassion fatigue is a broadly defined concept that can include emotional, physical, and spiritual distress in those providing care to another. It is associated with caregiving where people or animals are experiencing significant emotional or physical pain and suffering.