This summary details the findings of an article titled “‘If I’m not real, I’m Not Having an Impact’: Relationality and Vicarious Resistance in Complex Trauma Care” by Delanie Woodlock, Michael Salter, Elizabeth Conroy, Jackie Burke, and Molly Dragiewicz. The authors examine the benefits and challenges of complex trauma work, particularly within the context of neoliberal social service structures. They interviewed 63 welfare, health, and legal professionals in Australia to understand the lived experiences of these workers.
The Impact of Neoliberalism on Complex Trauma Care
The authors argue that neoliberal social service structures, which emphasize efficiency, cost reduction, and individual responsibility, are at odds with the relational and flexible approach required for effective trauma-informed care. Participants in the study frequently cited challenges stemming from neoliberal policies:
Rigid funding arrangements and unrealistic key performance indicators: These constraints make it difficult to meet the complex and varied needs of trauma survivors, leading to fragmented and inadequate services.
Siloing of services: Funding regulations often prevent collaboration between different service providers, limiting the ability to offer comprehensive and holistic support to clients.
Overwhelming workloads and risk of burnout: Limited funding leads to inadequate staffing, forcing practitioners to handle large caseloads with insufficient time and resources.
These factors can compromise the quality of care provided to clients and negatively impact the well-being of practitioners.
The Importance of Relationality and Vicarious Trauma
Despite the challenges posed by neoliberal structures, the authors found that experienced complex trauma workers often adopt an ethics of care that prioritizes relationality and authenticity in their practice. This approach involves:
Being "real" with clients: Professionals emphasize the importance of being present, genuine, and emotionally attuned to their clients' needs, even when this involves acknowledging their own vulnerability and the impact of vicarious trauma.
Recognising the inevitability of vicarious trauma: Participants acknowledge that being affected by the trauma they encounter is an inherent part of doing this work and can even be a sign of empathy and responsiveness.
Seeking support through supervision: While supervision is often viewed as a mandatory requirement, many practitioners find it helpful in processing their experiences and maintaining their well-being.
However, the authors caution that the neoliberal focus on risk management can sometimes lead to a bureaucratic and depersonalized approach to supervision, undermining its potential benefits.
Vicarious Resilience and Resistance
The study found that alongside the challenges, complex trauma work also offers significant rewards:
Vicarious resilience: Professionals reported experiencing personal growth and a renewed sense of hope through witnessing their clients' strength and resilience in overcoming adversity.
Vicarious resistance: Participants demonstrated a commitment to social change and a rejection of the individualistic and depoliticized framing of trauma often promoted by neoliberalism. This resistance manifests in:
Aligning with clients against abuse and oppressive systems: Professionals view their work as an act of solidarity with clients, challenging the dominant narrative that places responsibility solely on individuals to overcome their trauma.
Challenging the transactional nature of neoliberal service models: Practitioners strive to maintain an ethic of care and relationality, even when faced with bureaucratic constraints and pressures to prioritize efficiency over human connection.
The authors highlight that vicarious resistance offers a framework for moving beyond the limitations of individual resilience and embracing a more politically engaged and socially conscious approach to complex trauma care.
Key Insights for Practitioners
Here are three key ways the findings of this article can inform the work of practitioners who work with victims:
Embrace relationality and vulnerability: By prioritizing genuine human connection and acknowledging the impact of vicarious trauma, practitioners can create a more supportive and empowering environment for clients.
Resist the depoliticization of trauma: Recognize that trauma is often rooted in systemic inequalities and social injustices. Integrate a critical lens into practice, advocating for broader social change alongside individual healing.
Value the resilience of clients and the transformative potential of care work: Acknowledge the strength and agency of trauma survivors and draw inspiration from their journeys of healing and resistance.
By embracing these insights, practitioners can contribute to a more just and compassionate approach to trauma care, resisting the limitations of neoliberal frameworks and fostering a sense of hope and collective empowerment.
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