Working in a helping field can feel like a roller coaster…with all of the twists and turns, ups and downs of leading with empathy for others perils. Within the arena of helping not only are you presented with the immediacy of services but also presented with holding onto the experiences of those being served. As such experiences build upon themselves (via intensity and frequency) the trauma worker, in particular, can experience what is known as vicarious trauma.

Vicarious trauma by definition: is the emotional residue of exposure that counselors have from working with people as they are hearing their trauma stories and become witnesses to the pain, fear, and terror that trauma survivors have endured (American Counseling Association).

Not to be confused with burnout (which can lessen or disappear via self-care or changing job positions), vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue results from an absorption of the experiences reported by clients; to the point of feeling numb or demonstrating persistent arousal in the face of expressed trauma. 

Why understanding vicarious trauma becomes important in the helping field is that it not only has the potential to impact your professional life but your personal life as well…as the ability to “turn off” the exposure to the trauma details does not happen once you clock out for the day.  While there are many avenues for addressing the symptoms of vicarious trauma building a system to prepare, manage and thrive in spite of the trauma experiences presents as the most helpful. Being proactive in anticipating/protecting oneself as well as addressing and transforming the pain of vicarious trauma presents as the key to change the impact of the trauma exposure. Recognizing that helping others does not alleviate you from helping yourself is an important tool within the helping field…as we are humans helping humans, building upon empathy and care for the greater good to thrive.

Rachael Zutty, ATR-BC/LCPC

I am a queer, bicultural, first-generation Cuban-American born and raised in the Midwest.  I have been enriched by purposefully surrounding myself with diversity.  I have approximately seven years of experience working therapeutically with children, adolescents and adults in several different settings.  I have worked in a high school, juvenile detention center, substance abuse treatment facility (with both adults and adolescents) and a youth residential facility. I am a board certified registered art therapist (ATR-BC) as well as a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC).  I approach therapy collaboratively and compassionately, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, insight-oriented, and relationship-focused methods. I find that art making can assist with the physical impact of our daily stressors and can open up new and creative ways to see life’s challenges. I work in ways that are both supportive and challenging.

My personality is direct and approachable. Curiosity, humor and compassion are central.  My introversion assists my skills in learning about each person I meet on a deep level; I can sit with some of the most uncomfortable and vulnerable feelings others often shy away from.  I strive to validate and witness your process and accept you as a whole being. My goal in therapy is to support you in developing a satisfying relationship with yourself.

Oftentimes in the helping professions, we speak of self-care and prescribe it to ourselves, our clients and our colleagues.  This phrase is regularly tossed around with little follow through or commitment.  By facilitating groups, hosting workshops, and providing therapy, consultation, and supervision services, I seek to fill a void in our fields. We all know that the tub of ice cream or the reality TV binge does not help us truly process the vicarious trauma we are experiencing.  Each of us deserves the same quality of care we offer our clients, peers and loved ones. Secondary trauma and compassion fatigue threaten our roles on a regular basis.  As co-founder of Thrive I can support you in replenishing your reserves.

Kristen McCray, ATR/LPC

I am a multiracial human being that is ambitiously focused on assisting others in their personal growth. Through a lens of community based enrichment in combination with creative self expression, I aim to support those in their life path. With seven years of clinical experience focused on trauma-informed care, I have made strides to increase my understanding of healing via creative intentions. From working within a school setting to a shelter and youth residential facility, I have developed a lens of understanding that healing is a personal process. Working within the therapeutic arena has demonstrated that healing, growing and thriving is not a linear process but full of twists and turns that deserves equal support, space and time.

I am a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), who aims to cement my roots towards simplistic creation.  I approach therapy using a creative combination of reality based, cognitive-behavioral and humanistic lens in a humbled effort to challenge ones ability to thrive. 

My approach is to be empathetically minded while utilizing a demeanor that is thoughtful, curious and relaxed and respectful to ones process of being authentically vulnerable. I hope to provide an environment (whether individually, within groups or in a collaborative workshop) that eases the stress and anxiety associated when approaching therapy. It is my hope that by adding the tool of creativity, there can be undiscovered growth and successful management of historical difficulties. It is my vision, as cofounder of Thrive, that creative effort can produce long-lasting change.

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which one’s creative self-expression is tapped into as an avenue for managing one’s mental wellness. With the utilization of creative expression, clients are afforded the opportunity to put meaning to the indescribable. 

• Historical Facts: Although contemporary art therapy is a fairly new practice, art has been used since the beginning of human history as a medium for communicating thoughts and ideas (Art Therapy Journal). It wasn’t noted until the 1940s as becoming used for therapeutic benefit eventually working its way into increasing one’s mental health. Noted pioneers in the development of art therapy are psychologist Margaret Naumberg and Dr. Edith Kramer.
• Art Therapy Specifics: Utilizing creative techniques such as painting, drawing, clay, sculpture, etc. individuals are working on connecting to their mental, physical and emotional self…all in an effort to thrive. While receiving services surrounding one’s overall stability seems daunting the act of creating focuses on human experience and therefore lends itself to a holistic approach to healing.
• Benefits: Common misconception is that art therapy can only benefit a specific population or those with creative talent…untrue. Art therapy can benefit anyone seeking healing and understanding. Creatively expressing oneself can reduce a number of difficulties including stress, anxiety, depression, anger, etc in addition to increasing one’s ability to provide ongoing self-care.