Foreword

When my friend and colleague Laura van Dernoot first told me she was thinking of writing a book on secondary trauma,my first internal reaction went something like,“that is the last thing the world needs.”She will no doubt remind me if my internal reaction was actually externalized in words.(You who are about to enjoy this book will get a glimpse into the tell-the-truth-with-loving-concern person that Laura is.)

Whether I said it out loud or only in my own head,my concern for yet another piece of literature is that like so many meaningful concepts (e.g.evidence-based practice,cultural competence,authenticity) notions of vicarious trauma (a.k.a. empathic strain, compassion fatigue,secondary trauma,burnout) are being thrown around with little appreciation for what they mean or what taking them seriously would require of us.Poor practice,errors in practice,insensitivity of agencies to employees, rudeness among colleagues, tardiness, sloppy practices and all kinds of minor and major events taking place in practice today is excused as secondary trauma.Any kind of work-related stress,emotional or behavioral responses to the demands of the work place,and other work-related conditions are fluffed off as secondary trauma.

You will find in the pages that follow that Laura has a keen understanding of the nature of trauma and responses to trauma. This is a book written by someone who has walked the path and knows first-hand what trauma brings and demands of those who walk that path. Her honesty, humor, and no nonsense approach to the topics make them accessible to all of us.Even the most experienced trauma worker will find a refreshing perspective here.

Perhaps the greatest gift this book gives us lies in the sections on finding compasses. Instead of a cookbook, Laura takes us along on her own journey.The five directions invite us, it seems to me, on a single direction which is inward so we can again go outward to the work. I haven’t told Laura until now that when I first read this I was angry. “Laura,for heaven’s sake (maybe the real word was a bit stronger) tell me what to do!”I probably said nearly out loud. Then I came to understand as I took the deep breath she invites her reader to take, that the answer for her cannot be the answer for me. She gives us a compass but each of us has to find the direction.

Those of you who are about to read this book are at the trailhead of a path that holds great promise for you,for your work,and for those who you are privileged to work with.In an age when the same ideas get repeated until they lose any meaning, this is a book with fresh ideas.Unlike cookbooks or manuals that invite quick responses that have not been thought out,this book invites us on a journey. On that journey we are invited to take a fresh look at why we do the work, how our work must be contextualized in efforts to end oppression and privilege,that the work has inevitable benefits and challenges,that we are stewards not just of those who allow us into their lives but of our own capacity to be helpful, and that a mindful and connected journey,both internally and externally,allows us to sustain the work. We are in this work together,all of us.Our best hope is to understand that it is a long journey.We need to take care of ourselves and each other.Laura has given us a great compass and map to help us on our journey.

JON R.CONTE,PH.D.
Seattle,WA