Secondary Traumatic Stress 101 (Vicarious Trauma) (WMT-002)

Overview

Delivery method

Online Self-Paced

Duration

2 hours

Audience

Employees

Description

This course offers an introduction to secondary traumatic stress (STS) and empathic strain, specifically designed for professionals working in trauma-exposed, high-stress environments. Led by Françoise Mathieu, a registered psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience in trauma and crisis work, this on-demand course explores the impact of trauma exposure and offers strategies and tools to stay well. This course is suitable for anyone who works in a complex workplace including healthcare, law enforcement, social services, education, and many others.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this learning activity, participants will be able to:

• Define secondary traumatic stress (STS) and empathic strain.

• Understand the impact of trauma exposure in high-stress professions.

• Recognize warning signs of STS (physical, behavioral, emotional).

• Identify contributing factors to work-related stress.

• Apply self-regulation strategies to manage stress.

• Use practical tools to reduce trauma exposure and prevent burnout.

Content Advisory

This e-learning module addresses compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and secondary trauma, including reflections on the emotional impacts that can arise when supporting others through difficult situations. We acknowledge that this material may evoke diverse personal responses and that each individual’s experience is unique.

Participants are encouraged to take breaks as needed throughout the module and prioritize their well-being. We also recommend debriefing with managers or trusted colleagues as needed, and to contact the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-268-7708 or via EAP Chat Services for additional support and resources.

Presented by: The Centre for Workplace Access-Ability, Health and Wellness in collaboration with the Centre of Expertise for Learning and Professional Development (CoELPD).

Accommodation measures:

The Department of Justice is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free learning environment. If you have any accessibility needs in order to fully participate in the training activity, please contact your manager to discuss your needs. You may also call upon the services of the Centre for Workplace Access-Ability, Health and Wellness to help identify what type of accommodation measures you require.

For more information: Contact the Centre of Expertise for Learning and Professional Development.

Accreditation by Law Societies:

If you have questions about the accreditation by law societies below, please contact the Accreditation team.