How Does Helping Trauma Survivors Affect Religious Leaders and Therapists?

What you need to know

• Religious leaders who help trauma survivors can experience both negative effects (secondary trauma) and positive growth from this work
• About 23% of clergy showed signs of secondary trauma compared to 9% of therapists
• The way helpers process and cope with others’ trauma stories influences whether they experience distress or growth

The Hidden Impact of Helping Others Heal

When someone experiences a traumatic event, they often turn to others for support - whether that’s a therapist, social worker, or religious leader. While these helpers focus on supporting others through crisis and trauma, they may not realize how this work affects them personally. Just as secondhand smoke can impact nearby people, exposure to others’ trauma stories can lead to “secondary trauma” in those providing support.

Understanding Secondary Trauma vs Growth

Secondary trauma occurs when helpers internalize the pain and suffering of those they assist. Signs can include intrusive thoughts about others’ traumas, feeling emotionally numb, or becoming overly worried about safety. However, this work can also lead to profound positive changes, known as “secondary post-traumatic growth.” This might involve gaining deeper spiritual meaning, increased empathy, or greater appreciation for life.

The Special Role of Religious Leaders

The study found that clergy experienced both more secondary trauma (23%) and more positive growth (61%) compared to therapists (9% and 43% respectively). This higher impact may occur because:

• Religious leaders often lack formal training in trauma support compared to therapists
• They frequently help people process both practical and spiritual aspects of trauma
• Their role involves deep emotional and spiritual connection with those suffering

What Makes the Difference?

The research revealed that how helpers process others’ trauma stories matters more than the amount of exposure. Key factors include:

1. Cognitive restructuring - Finding meaning and seeing positive aspects within difficult situations
2. Perspective-taking - Understanding others’ viewpoints while maintaining emotional boundaries
3. Personal distress management - Having healthy ways to cope with one’s own emotional reactions

What This Means for You

If you’re in a helping profession:

• Recognize that being impacted by others’ trauma stories is normal and natural
• Develop strategies to process difficult experiences, like journaling or consulting peers
• Focus on understanding others while maintaining healthy emotional boundaries
• Seek training in trauma-informed care if needed
• Practice regular self-care and stress management

If you’re seeking help:

• Understand that your supporters may need their own support
• Be patient if helpers need to maintain professional boundaries
• Consider working with both spiritual and mental health professionals for comprehensive support

Conclusions

• Supporting trauma survivors can lead to both challenges and meaningful growth for helpers
• Training in trauma-informed care and stress management is crucial for religious leaders
• The best outcomes occur when helpers can empathize while maintaining healthy boundaries