Course Details

The article "An Awareness of Vicarious Loss & Grief in Emergency Services" by Matthew Dahlitz delves into the profound psychological and emotional impact that emergency service personnel experience due to their exposure to traumatic events. It highlights the phenomenon of vicarious grief, where emergency workers and counsellors can experience secondary trauma by empathizing with the primary sufferers' loss. The piece explores the concept of countertransference, where the trauma and grief experienced by patients can deeply affect caregivers. The article discusses the neurobiological underpinnings of empathy and trauma, emphasizing the need for proper mental health interventions and self-care strategies for those who routinely deal with traumatic events. It calls for a supportive therapeutic environment to help manage the emotional toll on emergency personnel and counsellors.

  • Understand the concept of vicarious grief and its impact on emergency service personnel and counsellors.

  • Identify the neurobiological mechanisms involved in empathy and trauma, such as the role of the mirror neuron system.

  • Recognize the importance of a safe therapeutic environment for managing vicarious trauma.

  • Learn about the various psychological concepts associated with trauma exposure, including compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.

  • Explore effective self-care strategies for emergency workers and counsellors to mitigate the effects of vicarious trauma.

  • Appreciate the need for supportive interventions and resilience-building activities to help emergency personnel cope with their experiences.

Course curriculum

    1. An Awareness of Vicarious Loss and Grief in Emergency Services by Matthew Dahlitz

    2. Vicarious Quiz

Become a Member!

SoP monthly membership gives you access to hundreds of our articles, magazines, and course material.