Psychoeducation program for trauma counselors: Strength-based self-care model

In literature, the difficulties experienced by psychological counselors are mentioned along with field studies. Psychological counselors who are impaired due to compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary trauma are seen to need preventive training. Especially trauma psychological counselors have a high likelihood of experiencing secondary trauma. Self-care strategies play a preventive role for psychological counselors. While self-care psychoeducation programs are designed for psychological counselors worldwide, there is currently no structured self-care psychoeducation program in Turkey. In this qualitative study, a needs analysis was conducted to identify the needs of psychological counselors working in the trauma field. According to the needs analysis, 9 out of 11 trauma psychological counselors in Turkey expressed that they exhibit secondary trauma symptoms in their lives. Additionally, it was revealed that they are not familiar with the multidimensional concept of self-care. Based on the findings, a 7-week strength-based self-care psychoeducation program was designed and implemented with active learning skills v for trauma psychological counselors. The psychoeducation content, shaped according to the strength-based approach, was designed in parallel with the literature. Data for the study were collected through pre-post tests and journals. All psychological counselors who participated in the Strength-Based Self-Care Psychoeducation program were found to have increased their knowledge, skills, and awareness related to self-care strategies. In conclusion, the outcomes of the developed strength-based self-care model were discussed in relation to the findings of the psychoeducation program. Recommendations were made for psychological counselor training programs, educators, psychological counselors, psychological counselor candidates, and researchers. Keywords: Trauma Psychological Counselor, Counselor Impairment, Secondary Trauma, Self-Care Strategies, Strength-Based Approach, Psychoeducation Program