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Workshop for teams New

Vicarious Trauma

A practical workshop for teams who support others through distress or work with traumatic content

Vicarious trauma is a predictable occupational response in people who support others through distress. It builds gradually, is easily missed, and is a genuine work health and safety issue, not a personal failing.

This workshop gives teams the knowledge and practical tools to recognise it, name it and respond early. It also shows how well-supported helpers can grow rather than only be harmed.

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What’s covered

Key learning outcomes

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

  • Explain what vicarious trauma is and how it differs from burnout and compassion fatigue
  • Recognise the early signs in themselves and their colleagues
  • Use the Notice, Reflect, Connect, Escalate model to act early and reach support
  • Put individual and team strategies into practice, and understand the conditions that help people grow
What happens next

Booking is straightforward
STEP 1

A free chat

We ask about your organisation, what’s driving the interest, and who would be in the room. Twenty minutes, no obligation. We’ll then come back with a recommended format, duration and focus, priced.

STEP 2

Pre-briefing

Before the session, we consult with you to make sure the workshop is tailored to your organisation’s needs.

STEP 3

Delivery

Two hours, online or in person, anywhere in Australia. Content adapted to your sector and the issues actually in your teams.

You’re in good hands

Evidence-led, trusted across Australia

90%+ of people we work with report improvements in a mental health and wellbeing outcome.
1:6 return on investment. For every $1 invested in workplace wellbeing, organisations receive up to $6 back.
10,000+ people trained in workplaces across Australia.

Trusted by 150+ organisations across Australia

Henley Properties DHL Continental Animal Welfare League Australia Post Australian Institute of Sport Cartier Bank Australia SA Health KPMG Mitre 10 Metcash NSW Government Queensland Government Roche

“I have brighter, happier thoughts, nothing is so intensely stressful that I can’t figure out a logical way to deal with it, I feel I have become a better person to be around both in my work life and at home.”

Mission Australia

Questions we get asked

Before you book

Can the workshop be delivered online or in person?
Both. We deliver in person anywhere in Australia, or virtually if your people are spread across sites or you would rather not bring everyone into one room. The content and the activities work either way, and we will talk through which format suits your group when we chat.
Who will facilitate our session?
We have around 20 Be Well Certified facilitators around the country. Being Be Well Certified means we have taken them through the science behind our programs and they deliver our materials. Rather than sending whoever happens to be free, we match a facilitator to your organisation based on the energy of the group and what your people need. You can meet the team here.
How long is the workshop, and how many people can attend?
The workshop runs for two hours, and we usually suggest up to 30 people so there is still room for people to talk. If you have a bigger audience in mind, get in touch and we can talk through the best setup.
What does it cost?
Get in touch and tell us what you have in mind. Price varies depending on the format, the duration and the type of session, so once we understand your requirements we will send you a proposal with costing.
How far in advance do we need to book?
We have turned sessions around in a week and we have planned them months out, so there is flexibility. Around four weeks tends to work best. It gives us time to get to know your organisation and match the right facilitator, and it gives you time to get your team or leaders ready for it.
What is vicarious trauma?
Vicarious trauma describes the changes that can build up in a person over time from repeated exposure to other people’s trauma, whether that’s hearing their stories, supporting them through distress or working with traumatic material. It can gradually shift how someone sees themselves, other people and the world. Because it builds slowly, it’s easy to miss, which is why the workshop focuses on noticing it early.
How is it different from burnout or compassion fatigue?
They can overlap, but they aren’t the same thing. Burnout tends to come from ongoing work pressures like workload and lack of control. Compassion fatigue describes the emotional and physical exhaustion that can come from caring for people in distress. Vicarious trauma is about how exposure to other people’s trauma can change the way someone sees the world. Knowing which is which helps people get the right support. If burnout sounds closer to what your team is going through, have a look at Managing Burnout.
Who is this workshop for?
Teams who support others through distress, whether or not they have significant trauma exposure yet. It suits groups building awareness before harm occurs, and those already carrying load who need evidence-based strategies and a shared language for support.
Is vicarious trauma a work health and safety issue?
Yes. Under Australian work health and safety laws, organisations need to manage psychosocial risks, and Safe Work Australia’s model Code of Practice lists exposure to traumatic events or material as a psychosocial hazard. The workshop is tied to these obligations and focuses on practical ways teams can prevent harm and respond early.
Will the session be confronting for people?
The session focuses on understanding vicarious trauma and practical strategies, rather than asking people to share their own experiences. The case vignette is tailored to your cohort so it feels relevant. If anyone needs extra support afterwards, we encourage them to use your EAP or speak with their GP.

Let’s talk

Share some details about your organisation, any challenges you’re facing, and how you’d like support. One of our friendly team members will be in touch to book a free chat and explore the best fit for your needs.

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