Chapter 4
What is secondary traumatic stress in pastoral care?
Secondary traumatic stress is the emotional and psychological duress experienced by providers who hear about or witness the firsthand trauma of the people they serve. It mimics the symptoms of PTSD and requires deliberate mental health strategies, boundaries, and professional support to manage effectively.
How should a professional respond when a client blames them for a bad outcome?
The professional should remain calm, empathetic, and firmly grounded in their boundaries. It is important to acknowledge the client's intense pain and grief without absorbing the guilt or validating the false claim that the counselor forced the decision.