Shared Trauma in Counseling: Information and Implications for Counselors

Abstract

A trauma is shared when both counselor and client experience the same traumatic event simultaneously. Disasters often cause mass trauma, affecting counselors both personally and professionally. The purpose of this article is to (a) discuss conceptualizations of shared trauma, and offer a comprehensive definition; (b) educate counselors on the effects of shared trauma; and (c) discuss the implications of shared trauma and strategies for its treatment.