Those who provide services to individuals who have experienced traumatic events can often experience trauma themselves as a result: vicarious trauma, as well as burnout. This can be damaging to the provider and result in additional trauma for the person being served. This training will define important terms, explore risk factors, and help participants develop strategies for preventing and addressing both vicarious trauma and burnout. Using case studies from law libraries to guide the discussion, attendees will learn self-care techniques, healthy coping skills, and receive tips for working with victims of trauma. Training in dealing with vicarious trauma can, in turn, create a balanced work environment and minimize the risk of re-traumatizing yourself and others. 

This program is sponsored by the GLL-SIS.

Recorded at the 2022 AALL Annual Meeting & Conference. Please note the opinions shared during the programs represent the views of the speakers and not of AALL.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Any librarian who interfaces with the general public, especially self-represented litigants and others with unmet legal needs, will benefit from attending. Academic librarians who interact with students and faculty who have experienced trauma caused by the pandemic or other sources will also find the session beneficial. In addition, any librarian who has served those who have experienced trauma or undue stress over the last year-plus will benefit.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Participants will learn why professionals who serve individuals who experience trauma often suffer trauma themselves as a result.
2. Participants will learn how to assess risk factors for vicarious trauma and identify signs of vicarious trauma in themselves and others.
3. Participants will learn self-care techniques, healthy coping skills, and receive tips for working with victims of trauma

SPEAKERS:

• Sara Pic, Law Library of Louisiana
• Dominique Quevedo, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

COORDINATOR/MODERATOR:

• Sarah Larsen, Minnesota State Law Library

AALL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS: Professionalism + Leadership At Every Level, Teaching + Training