Transcript Jennifer L. Favell, Ph.D.

Jennifer L. Favell, Ph.D.
Lawyers’ Assistance Program
Washington State Bar Association
SECONDARY TRAUMATIC
STRESS:
What You Don’t Know
Will Hurt You
Secondary
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Transmitted to you through observations
and/or hearing others’ stories.
Trauma
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Violence, volition, violation
Horror, cruelty, loss
Overwhelming, extreme powerlessness
Practice of Law is Stressful
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Inadequate time to prepare.
Win/lose
Conflict
Self-criticism
Constant scrutiny
Competition with peers
Billable hours
Pessimism
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Unrealistic expectations (own/clients)
High expectations of expertise
Clarity may not exist
Bottom line
High stakes
Threat of malpractice
Setting/collecting fees
Research
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Percent of trauma clients in your practice
Time engaged in activities related to
traumatic cases
Intensity of your exposure (isolation with
cases)
Your own history
Current personal life
Examples of Traumatized Clients
Matters
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D – Draft a new Will
L – Bankruptcy
M – Social Security disability
R – Adoption
M – Personal injury
Attorneys are at Risk
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Collect evidence
Interview family members
Interview witnesses
Visit the scene
May be the first to hear/see all
Imagine it
Make sense
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Construct story
Bear witness
Deal with media
Present what happened
Symptoms of STS
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Behavioral
Psychological
Physical
Spiritual
Professional
Behavioral
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Drug/substance abuse
Other addictions
Eating disorders
Disrupted sleep
Avoid reminders
Isolate
Skip routines
Psychological
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Shock
Numbing
Feel possessed
Intrusive imagery/thoughts
Helplessness
Confusion
Lack of concentration
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Depression
Nightmares
Suicidal thoughts
Physical
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Hyperarousal
Heart palpitations
Panic attacks
High blood pressure
Weight loss/gain
Irritability
Spiritual
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Loss of meaning
Don’t care
No pleasure
Despair
Grandiose
Manic
Professional
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Client communication
Missed deadlines
Lateness
24 x 7
Staff dissatisfaction
Consider leaving practice
What Do You Need?
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Individual
Law practice/firm
Individual Needs
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Self-awareness
Loving family
Close friends
Trusted colleagues
Good communication
Passionate interests
Time management
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Boundaries
Exercise
Informed nutrition
Organization Needs
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Provide consultation
Work groups
Law office management
Trained staff support
Flexible scheduling
Choice
Time off/vacation
*If You Need Help*
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Lawyers’ Assistance Program
Law Office Management Assistance Program
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Lawyer-to-Lawyer Program
Peer Counselor Network
Third party calls/letters