The impact of engaging with clients’ trauma stories
| Author | Rosie Lee |
| Published date | 01 December 2017 |
| Date | 01 December 2017 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/0264550517728783 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
Article
The impact of engaging
with clients’ trauma
stories: Personal
and organizational
strategies to manage
probation practitioners’
risk of developing
vicarious traumatization
Rosie Lee
National Probation Service, UK
Abstract
This article considers the impact on probation practitioners of exposure to, and
engagement with,clients’ trauma stories. Drawing on research in related client-focused
fields, the article discusses the constructivist self-development theory of vicarious
traumatization and how the probation practitioner role places practitioners at risk
of experiencing negative changes to their emotional well-being. Development of
vicarious traumatization is discussed with reference to changes in organizational
structure brought about through the Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) agenda. It is
argued practitioners’ use of self-care practices, the need for effective practitioner-
supervisor support systems and appropriate and trauma-focused training would all
help to reduce the risk of practitioners developing vicarious traumatization.
Keywords
one-to-onecase work, organizational culture, practitioners, relationships, supervision,
vicarious traumatization
Corresponding Author:
Rosie Lee, Salford Children’s Rights, 222 Eccles Old Road, Salford, M6 8AL, UK.
Email: rosielee1985@gmail.com
The Journal of Community and Criminal Justice
Probation Journal
2017, Vol. 64(4) 372–387
ªThe Author(s) 2017
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DOI: 10.1177/0264550517728783
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Introduction
The practitioner as an agent of change has historically been central to the whole
concept of probation work (Raynor et al., 2014). As Giddens (1990) argues,
opening out of oneself is important to the development of interpersonal trust
between clients and practitioners. As agents of change, practitioners may
therefore seek to encourage self-disclosure of crimes, life histories, relationships,
attitudes and emotions as a central component of client supervision (Digard,
2014). Research literature repeatedly highlights the importance of a positive
working relationship between practitioner and client in providing a secure base
from which clients may address issues related to their risk of reoffending (Ansbro,
2008; Ryals, 2011). A key aspect of this positive relationship is practitioner use
of empathy towards clients’ feelings and experiences (Bonta et al., 2008). In
order to support the process of desistance, practitioners may therefore strive to
employ empathy to develop a positive relationship with the client (Burnett and
McNeill, 2005).
Research shows a clear link between childhood abuse and trauma and subse-
quent aggressive and criminal behaviour (Widom and Mazfield, 2001; Skowyra
and Cocozza, 2006). As such, exploration of trauma is one means through which
probation practitioners may attempt to both employ empathy and contribute to
clients’ self-transformation (Lewis, 2014; Ryals, 2011). The probation client group is
one in which trauma stories are prevalent. Here research suggests 70 per cent of
female offenders have experienced severe physical violence in childhood (Browne
et al., 1999), and 67 per cent of women managed in the National Probation
Service (NPS) report being victims of domestic violence (NOMS, 2015: 8).
Amongst adult offenders, research indicates 24 per cent had been placed under
local authority care as children (Ministry of Justice, 2012: 8). A further 29 per cent
report having experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse as a child (Ministry
of Justice, 2012: 9). Family history of substance misuse and experience of the loss of
a parent are also significantly reported by both young and adult offenders in cus-
tody (Beyond Youth Custody, 2014; Ministry of Justice, 2012). Entering custody in
itself may also inflict trauma on clients due to both their experiences within custodial
establishments and their separation from children and families (Prison Reform Trust,
2016; Ministry of Justice, 2012).
Little empirical research has, however, focused on the impact of such engagement
with clients’ trauma stories in relation to the role of probation practitioners as
agents of change. This article will therefore discuss some of the potential risks
associated with practitioners’ direct engagement with clients’ trauma stories.
Focusing specifically on the concept of vicarious traumatization, this will be
explored in the context of research on this topic. The article will go on to consider
how the current probation climate may be contributing to practitioners’ risk of
experiencing vicarious traumatization and subsequent negative effects to their
emotional well-being. Finally, organizational and self-care practices will be
considered in terms of reduci ng the emotional impact of exposure to clients’ tr auma
stories on probation practitioners.
Lee 373
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