Lesson series
Going Deeper: Understanding and Navigating Secondary Trauma as a CASA Advocate
Estimated Completion Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
This webinar for California CASA advocates and staff explores the deep layers of secondary trauma, defined as the emotional duress resulting from hearing about others' firsthand traumatic experiences. The session moves beyond basic definitions to examine how secondary trauma impacts the nervous system, often triggering unconscious defense mechanisms like perfectionism, toxic positivity, and imposter syndrome to cope with feelings of helplessness or inadequacy. To manage these impacts, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a "learner's mind," tracking individual warning signs, and practicing self-compassion rather than suppressing negative emotions. Practical strategies for building sustainability in advocacy work include establishing bookend rituals to transition between tasks, utilizing co-regulation networks, and prioritizing activities that restore creativity and joy.
This webinar for California CASA advocates and staff explores the deep layers of secondary trauma, defined as the emotional duress resulting from hearing about others' firsthand traumatic experiences. The session moves beyond basic definitions to examine how secondary trauma impacts the nervous system, often triggering unconscious defense mechanisms like perfectionism, toxic positivity, and imposter syndrome to cope with feelings of helplessness or inadequacy. To manage these impacts, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a "learner's mind," tracking individual warning signs, and practicing self-compassion rather than suppressing negative emotions. Practical strategies for building sustainability in advocacy work include establishing bookend rituals to transition between tasks, utilizing co-regulation networks, and prioritizing activities that restore creativity and joy.