Helping professionals can suffer from burn-out and compassion fatigue from the nature of their work, but that may be only the tip of the iceberg. What about those in the silent grip of unexplained and debilitating problems like depression, obesity, immune disorders, addiction, or anxiety? It could be vicarious trauma. Every time you interact with those you help, you are putting yourself at risk for it; particularly if you experienced childhood trauma. The authors explore the subtle and covert way that absorbing others’ trauma while controlling empathy gradually alters the structure of the brain, negatively affects the mind and can ultimately desensitize, numb and cause these disturbances. This book offers acknowledgment and hope to the millions of helping professionals through a method of recovery called The Rapid Advance Process created and used by the authors with their own clients. Once you recognize the warning signs and symptoms of vicarious trauma, you will find relief as you work through the AFTERSHOCK Workbook included in the second half of the book. --- from the publisher Reviews and Endorsements: “This much-needed book provides those of us in the mental health field not only an explanation for the unacknowledged symptoms that often accompany the intense work we do, but with concrete tools to address them. In the accompanying workbook, helpers can both define the impact of “second-hand trauma” on their emotional health and learn coping skills to manage it. This is a ‘must-read’ for every serious therapist who cares about his or her own emotional well-being.” —Nancy J. Ross, LCSW, BCD
Co-founder of Collaborative Divorce
Co-author of Divorce: A Problem to be Solved, Not a Battle to be Fought “This book is a groundbreaking survival guide for those who are constantly helping others—from medical professional to police and fire fighters. The authors deserve praise for the valuable information they provide in a most articulate and interesting manner.” —Randy Gengarelly
International Speaker, Consultant and Trainer “Vicarious Trauma is one of the most important issues for any professional working with traumatized and/or difficult clients. And all indicators are that this problem is increasing. From legal to healthcare professionals, from therapists to collaborative divorce advisors, and many others, there is a growing need for information like this excellent book for keeping yourself balanced and healthy while being exposed to the increasing stresses in our high-conflict and high-stress society.” —Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq.
President & Co-Founder of High Conflict Institute
Author, Attorney, Therapist, Mediator, International Speaker Contents: PART I Chapter One: Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire
Chapter Two: A Serious Situation
Chapter Three: The Neuroscience of Trauma
Chapter Five: When Is It Vicarious Trauma?
Chapter Six: Countertransference and the Wounded Hero
Chapter Seven: The Miracle Worker Reverie
Chapter Eight: Rapid Advance Process for Vicarious Trauma Treatment
Chapter Nine: Organizations as Vicarious Trauma Cauldrons
Conclusion
Professional Group Discussion Questions PART II: The AFTERSHOCK Workbook Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Do I Have Vicarious Trauma?
Evaluation Questions
Act of Courage Exercise
Act of Faith Exercise
Chapter Three: Rapid Advance Process
Introduction to Case Study: Daniel
Step 1: Reveal Your History
Step 2: Recognize Your Impasse(s)
Step 3: Release Your Past
Step 4: Respond To Your Fear
Step 5: Reconnect To Your Spirit
Chapter Four: Conclusion: Spread the Word! About the Authors: Ellie Izzo has been in clinical practice for over 30 years. She also serves as a trainer, Divorce Coach and Child Specialist in Collaborative Divorce. She developed the Rapid Advance Process, a standardized five-session brief model of counseling that was presented at the American Counseling Association convention in Atlanta in 1997 and with Vicki Carpel Miller in Honolulu in 2008. Ellie is the author of The Bridge To I Am, a self-help book outlining the Rapid Advance Process used in the treatment of Vicarious Trauma and other life challenges. Ellie hosted a call-in radio show in Phoenix and served as Self-Help Editor for a nationally syndicated trade magazine. She runs several ongoing groups called the Encouragers where people meet to offer each other peace, support and acceptance. She is Co-Director of the Vicarious Trauma Institute and the Collaborative Divorce Institute, based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Vicki Carpel Miller is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in clinical practice for over 20 years. She is co-founder and Co-Director of the Vicarious Trauma Institute and the Collaborative Divorce Institute, both located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Vicki was instrumental in bringing Collaborative Divorce to Arizona and functions as a Divorce Coach and Child Specialist in Collaborative Divorce cases. She specializes in the treatment of Vicarious Trauma, the Rapid Advance Process, the practice of Collaborative Divorce and other divorce-related issues such as blended family and stepfamily issues. Vicki is internationally recognized as a trainer with the Collaborative Divorce Training Team, the Collaborative Divorce Institute and the Vicarious Trauma Institute. Her offices are located in Scottsdale, Arizona. | 
