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Understanding Secondary Trauma: Implications for Practitioners in Online Therapy

Understanding Secondary Trauma: Implications for Practitioners in Online Therapy

Introduction

In the realm of online therapy and speech language pathology, understanding the implications of secondary trauma is crucial for practitioners aiming to improve their skills and outcomes for children. The research article titled "Secondary Trauma and Parenting Practices in Internet Crimes against Children Task Force Investigators" provides valuable insights into how secondary trauma affects professionals in child protection roles and their parenting behaviors. This blog post aims to explore these findings and offer guidance for practitioners in online therapy services, such as those provided by TinyEYE, to enhance their practices through data-driven decisions.

Understanding Secondary Trauma

Secondary traumatic stress (STS) refers to the emotional and psychological toll experienced by professionals who work with traumatized individuals. This stress is not a direct result of experiencing trauma but rather from exposure to the trauma of others. In the context of Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators, secondary trauma arises from their exposure to disturbing materials, such as child pornography, which can impact their mental well-being and parenting practices.

Research Findings

The study conducted by Stewart and Witte (2020) involved 212 ICAC Task Force investigators who completed online questionnaires measuring their exposure to sexually explicit material, secondary traumatic stress symptoms, and parenting behaviors. The findings revealed that secondary trauma symptoms were prevalent among these professionals and significantly influenced their parenting behaviors. Key findings include:

Implications for Practitioners

For practitioners in online therapy services, these findings underscore the importance of addressing secondary trauma in professionals working with traumatized populations. Here are some actionable steps practitioners can take:

Encouraging Further Research

While the study provides valuable insights, there is a need for further research to explore the mechanisms of secondary trauma and its impact on parenting behaviors. Practitioners in online therapy can contribute to this field by conducting research and sharing findings with the broader community. By doing so, they can help refine interventions and support systems for professionals working in trauma-exposed environments.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Secondary Trauma and Parenting Practices in Internet Crimes against Children Task Force Investigators.


Citation: Stewart, J., & Witte, T. H. (2020). Secondary trauma and parenting practices in Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigators. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 45(6), 1080-1099. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-020-09530-8
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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in online therapy apply today!

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