How Vicarious Trauma Impacts our Work with Jenny Hughes, PhD | WP 161
Description
As a therapist and group practice owner, I know firsthand how the work we do shapes us. The stories we hold, the crises we navigate, and even the simple act of showing up empathically day after day can impact our emotional and spiritual health. That ongoing impact is called vicarious trauma, and it plays a bigger role in our work—and our leadership—than we often acknowledge.
In this episode, I'm joined by Jenny Hughes, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in trauma and PTSD and supports helpers and healers through these exact experiences. Jenny offers such a compassionate, grounded perspective on what vicarious trauma looks like, how it shows up in our bodies and businesses, and why it's something we all encounter as clinicians. She also introduces the beautiful idea of vicarious resilience—the glimmers of hope and connection we receive from doing this work.
We also talk about how faith, community, and honest conversations can help us lead from a place of clarity instead of overwhelm. Whether you're a solo practitioner or running a growing group practice, this conversation will give you language, tools, and encouragement to navigate the emotional weight of this work with more intention.
This conversation is full of insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone doing the sacred work of helping others heal.
07:13 Meet Jenny Hughes, PhD
09:40 What Vicarious Trauma Really Is
11:55 Real-Life Example: When Heavy Stories Stick With Us
14:10 Understanding Vicarious Resilience
16:14 Soft Transitions and Healthy Processing
18:40 How Our Humanity Shapes Our Leadership
21:54 What Group Practice Owners Need to Name Out Loud
23:43 The Trauma of Running a Practice
25:32 Building Support Systems for Leaders
27:26 Inside the Brave Trauma Therapist Collective
30:47 Giving Yourself Permission to Be Human
Jenny's Resources
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
TikTok
YouTube
Free Vicarious Trauma Tracker
The BRAVE Trauma Therapist Collective
Links and Resources
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