Episode 8: Vicarious Trauma

In this episode of So What: Social Work, our hosts lift the lid on secondary (vicarious) trauma - what it is, how it can affect social workers and other helping professionals, and why recognising its impact is essential for sustainable practice. Together, they explore trauma-informed practice, reflecting on what it means to work in ways that promote safety, trust, collaboration and empowerment, while recognising the impact trauma can have on both the people we support and ourselves. Drawing on their experiences in adult social care, the hosts respond to a thought-provoking question from experienced social worker Hannah, discussing how they manage the emotional impact of practice and navigate the everyday pressures of the profession. They reflect on the importance of psychological safety, supervision, reflective practice, journaling, healthy boundaries and taking proper breaks (yes, holidays really do matter!). The conversation also touches on being members of the LGBTQI+ community and the value of allyship, peer support and creating safe spaces for colleagues. If this episode raises anything for you, please remember support is available. Speak with your manager, supervisor, occupational health service or Human Resources department, and explore local counselling or employee assistance services where available. You can also contact us by commenting on the episode, sending us a direct message, or emailing sowhatsocialwork@gmail.com. Support services Canopi (Wales) – Free, confidential mental health support for NHS and social care staff in Wales. Self-referral available. https://canopi.nhs.wales Samaritans (UK) – Free emotional support 24/7. Tel: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org https://www.samaritans.org NHS Wales 111 (Press 2) – Urgent mental health support in Wales. Call 111 and select Option 2 (where available). Shout – Free confidential text support 24/7. Text SHOUT to 85258. Terms discussed Trauma-informed practice – An approach that recognises the impact of trauma, seeks to prevent re-traumatisation and promotes safety, trust and empowerment. Psychological safety – A culture where people feel safe to speak up, ask questions and learn without fear of blame. Resilience – The ability to adapt to adversity, strengthened through supervision, reflection, healthy boundaries and organisational support. Secondary (vicarious) trauma – The emotional impact of repeated exposure to others’ trauma. Over time, this may affect wellbeing, relationships and professional practice. Social justice – A core social work value promoting fairness, equality, human rights and challenging discrimination. Further reading •⁠ ⁠Trauma-Informed Wales Framework: https://traumaframeworkcymru.com •⁠ ⁠Social Care Wales – Trauma-informed approaches evidence summary: https://insightcollective.socialcare.wales/evidence-summaries/trauma-informed-approaches •⁠ ⁠Social Care Wales – Code of Professional Practice for Social Care Workers (2026): https://socialcare.wales/codes-of-practice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-practice-for-social-care-workers