Vicarious Trauma Course

Vicarious Trauma – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces vicarious trauma, the emotional impact that can affect people who are regularly exposed to traumatic events or stories through their work. It explains how vicarious trauma develops, how to recognise its signs and how individuals, colleagues, supervisors and organisations can offer support. The course takes one hour and is CPD accredited.

Please note: this is an introductory, Level 1 course that builds awareness and foundational knowledge. It does not replace professional mental health support, clinical supervision or any role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
– What vicarious trauma is and how it affects people
– The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit Model
– Who is most at risk, and common negative responses
– How colleagues, supervisors and family members can offer support
– Becoming a vicarious trauma-informed organisation
– Supervision, team support and work culture
– Training, development and professional growth
– Stress and trauma, including the stress response and cumulative stress
– Work-related trauma exposure, and direct and indirect trauma exposure
– Empathy, changes in world view and secondary responses to stress and trauma
– Signs of vicarious traumatisation, both personal and at work
– Risk factors for vicarious traumatisation
– Self-care, resilience and vicarious resilience
– Compassion satisfaction, vicarious transformation and support beyond self-care

Who is it for?
The course is written at an introductory level for people in the UK whose roles expose them, directly or indirectly, to trauma. It is appropriate for:
– Healthcare professionals
– Social workers and care workers
– Emergency service personnel
– Counsellors, psychotherapists and trauma specialists
– Criminal justice and legal professionals
– Education and school staff
– Volunteers and charity workers
– HR and occupational health professionals
– Managers and supervisors
– Public sector employees and community support workers

It can be used for induction, refresher training, awareness or to enhance existing knowledge.

Practical benefits
– Recognise the signs of vicarious trauma in yourself and others
– Understand the risk factors and who may be most affected
– Use self-care and resilience approaches to support wellbeing
– Support colleagues and team members more confidently
– Understand how organisations can reduce risk and build supportive cultures
– Gain evidence of awareness and knowledge for inductions and refresher training
– Receive a free CPD-accredited certificate for your records

What learners will be able to do
– Explain key principles and terminology relating to vicarious trauma
– Recognise why the subject matters in day-to-day practice
– Identify common risks, concerns and situations linked to trauma exposure
– Understand individual responsibilities and role boundaries
– Apply good-practice principles in workplace situations
– Communicate effectively with relevant people when issues arise
– Recognise when advice, reporting or escalation is required

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete a quiz at the end of the course. On successful completion, they receive a CPD-accredited certificate, which can be downloaded or printed at home for free. A hard copy can also be requested for delivery to a home or work address. Unlimited quiz retakes are included, and the course is allocated instantly after purchase. A complimentary learner management system lets organisations view course progress, quiz results and certification, and a compliance matrix is available to support audits and inspections.