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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. Transmitted to you through observations and/or hearing others’ stories. Trauma. Violence, volition, violation

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Jennifer L. Favell, Ph.D.

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  1. Jennifer L. Favell, Ph.D. Lawyers’ Assistance Program Washington State Bar Association

  2. SECONDARY TRAUMATIC STRESS: What You Don’t Know Will Hurt You

  3. Secondary • Transmitted to you through observations and/or hearing others’ stories.

  4. Trauma • Violence, volition, violation • Horror, cruelty, loss • Overwhelming, extreme powerlessness

  5. Practice of Law is Stressful • Inadequate time to prepare. • Win/lose • Conflict • Self-criticism • Constant scrutiny • Competition with peers • Billable hours • Pessimism

  6. Unrealistic expectations (own/clients) • High expectations of expertise • Clarity may not exist • Bottom line • High stakes • Threat of malpractice • Setting/collecting fees

  7. Research • 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

  8. Examples of Traumatized Clients Matters • D – Draft a new Will • L – Bankruptcy • M – Social Security disability • R – Adoption • M – Personal injury

  9. Attorneys are at Risk • Collect evidence • Interview family members • Interview witnesses • Visit the scene • May be the first to hear/see all • Imagine it • Make sense

  10. Construct story • Bear witness • Deal with media • Present what happened

  11. Symptoms of STS • Behavioral • Psychological • Physical • Spiritual • Professional

  12. Behavioral • Drug/substance abuse • Other addictions • Eating disorders • Disrupted sleep • Avoid reminders • Isolate • Skip routines

  13. Psychological • Shock • Numbing • Feel possessed • Intrusive imagery/thoughts • Helplessness • Confusion • Lack of concentration

  14. Depression • Nightmares • Suicidal thoughts

  15. Physical • Hyperarousal • Heart palpitations • Panic attacks • High blood pressure • Weight loss/gain • Irritability

  16. Spiritual • Loss of meaning • Don’t care • No pleasure • Despair • Grandiose • Manic

  17. Professional • Client communication • Missed deadlines • Lateness • 24 x 7 • Staff dissatisfaction • Consider leaving practice

  18. What Do You Need? • Individual • Law practice/firm

  19. Individual Needs • Self-awareness • Loving family • Close friends • Trusted colleagues • Good communication • Passionate interests • Time management

  20. Boundaries • Exercise • Informed nutrition

  21. Organization Needs • Provide consultation • Work groups • Law office management • Trained staff support • Flexible scheduling • Choice • Time off/vacation

  22. *If You Need Help* • Lawyers’ Assistance Program • Law Office Management Assistance Program • Alternative Dispute Resolution • Lawyer-to-Lawyer Program • Peer Counselor Network • Third party calls/letters

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