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Recognizing Signs of Trauma

Recognizing Signs of Trauma

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 In this episode of Supervising with Purpose, we turn our attention to the clinicians themselves. The work of holding space for trauma survivors carries a significant weight, and as supervisors, we are the first line of defense against the burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma that can impact our supervisees. Recognizing the signs is not just good practice—it's an ethical imperative. I'll guide you through the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that a supervisee may be struggling with the emotional toll of their work. We'll discuss the behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and physical indicators to watch for. This episode is designed to sharpen your observational skills and give you the confidence to open a supportive dialogue with your supervisees before they reach a crisis point. Don't Carry the Weight Alone Navigating these conversations can be challenging. Having a space to process your own reactions and get feedback is crucial. The Consultation Monthly Group is a perfect place to discuss these supervisory dilemmas with peers who understand. It's a supportive community where we can share the load and learn from each other. Practical Tips From This Episode: •Look for Behavioral Shifts: Are they more irritable, withdrawn, or cynical? Have you noticed changes in their attendance, punctuality, or completion of paperwork? These can be early warning signs. •Notice Cognitive Changes: Listen for language that reflects a loss of hope, increased negativity, or a sense of being overwhelmed. They might express feeling ineffective or question their career choice. •Tune Into Emotional Cues: Pay attention to signs of anxiety, emotional numbness, or a heightened startle response. They may seem emotionally detached or overly reactive. •Check In on Physical Well-being: Gently inquire about their sleep, energy levels, and any new physical complaints like headaches or stomach issues. The body often keeps the score of vicarious trauma. •Ask Directly and Compassionately: Create a safe space to ask, "How is this work impacting you?" or "I've noticed [specific observation], and I wanted to check in on how you're doing." Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing, sharing it with your colleagues, and leaving a review. Your support helps grow this community and reach other supervisors seeking guidance. Connect with Me: •Instagram: @motivatedwellnesssolutions •Website: www.motivatedwellnesssolutionsllc.com Looking for More Guidance? Subscribe to Supervising with Purpose for actionable insights on clinical supervision, mental health leadership, and building your supervisory skills. Whether you're starting out or looking to grow, this podcast is packed with tools for your journey. Disclaimer: Supervising with Purpose is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or clinical supervision advice. Always consult with a licensed professional or advisor for personalized guidance. --Transcript-- Let's dive into today's episode and unlock the potential of effective supervision. Today we're focusing on something every trauma-informed supervisor needs to understand—recognizing signs of trauma in supervisees. This is such a critical piece of trauma-informed supervision because we can't support what we don't see. Trauma doesn't always present loudly. Sometimes it's in the quiet, the withdrawal, the missed emails, or even the over-functioning. So how do you spot it? Let's start with some common emotional and behavioral signs of trauma responses in supervisees. These may include: Increased irritability or emotional reactivity in sessions Trouble concentrating or following through on tasks Avoidance of certain clients or topics Hypervigilance or difficulty relaxing Feeling overwhelmed or freezing under pressure Excessive people-pleasing or fear of making mistakes And here's the thing—these aren't always signs of trauma, but when patterns form, or they show up consistently under stress, it's worth paying attention. Physical signs can also show up: fatigue, frequent headaches, changes in sleep, or even supervisees who seem emotionally "checked out." And sometimes, trauma can show up in supervision as strong countertransference or sudden resistance to feedback. It's also important to remember that triggers in supervision can be subtle. A supervisee might shut down after hearing direct feedback, not because they're avoiding accountability, but because it reminds them of past criticism or emotional harm. Even how we structure feedback—tone, setting, word choice—can matter more than we think. Here's a real-world example. I once worked with a supervisee who consistently missed deadlines, avoided confrontation, and got defensive anytime we discussed performance. At first, I thought it was just disorganization—but with time and a trauma-informed lens, I realized ...
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