Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue
Other people’s trauma is part of your job. Carrying it home doesn’t have to be.
A practical course on vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue for lawyers, insurers and claims professionals, regardless of who you act for. Written by a lawyer and mediator, not a mental health clinician.
Unlimited access. Certificate on completion.
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This is for you if
- You read it on Monday and you’re still carrying it on Friday.
- There’s a file you keep moving to the bottom of the pile.
- You feel numb hearing a client’s story where you used to feel something, and you’re not sure if that’s professionalism or a warning sign.
- The wellbeing webinar, the mindfulness app and the week off didn’t touch the content of the work.
It isn’t just you. Reading accounts of trauma, abuse and neglect is a recognised psychosocial hazard under Australian WHS codes, and lawyers face it without the trauma training and peer support mental health professionals receive as standard.
By the end you will be able to
- Tell vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and burnout apart
- Spot the early signs in yourself and your colleagues
- Notice when you’re moving out of your “window of tolerance”, and get back
- Build resilience into a busy practice
- Start safe, informed conversations that reduce stigma
Clearer thinking on hard files. Fewer weeks where the work follows you home.
Six modules. Two hours. Your pace.
You keep: a downloadable personal plan, a certificate of completion and unlimited access.
- Fully online
- Stop and return any time
- No intake dates
Modules
- Definitions and early signs
- The brain and body under load
- Operating in the optimal zone
- Protective practices and workflow
- Knowledge check
- Reflection and resources
Built for the people who read the files
Lawyers in personal injury, family, criminal, employment, coronial and immigration work. Insurers, claims officers and the support staff who handle the same files. Regardless of who you act for.
How it works
- Pay online, takes a minute
- We email your access link
- Work through it at your own pace and download your certificate
About Julie
Written by a lawyer who sees this every week
Julie Somerville is the Principal Mediator at R3 Resolutions. After 25 years as a civil litigator, she has mediated over 1,200 sensitive claims, and now mediates approximately 200 a year, including institutional child abuse, medical negligence and serious injury claims. From the neutral seat she sees how cumulative exposure shows up in lawyers, insurers and claims officers on both sides.
- Australian Dispute Centre’s 2022 Mediator of the Year
- Doyle’s Guide Leading Mediator NSW, 2020 to 2026
- AMDRAS and Law Society of NSW accredited mediator
- Law Society of Scotland Certification in Trauma-Informed Law
What people say
Julie is very insightful on the topic of vicarious trauma. She provided information on identifying the root cause of vicarious trauma and a range of (practical) ways that this can be addressed.
I often find myself doing things I think I don’t have time for (like going out for a quick walk) because of this session, and feeling better afterwards… I feel like I would not have put myself first like this if I hadn’t attended your session.
Enrol
Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue
$129 + GST
Six modules, personal plan, certificate of completion, unlimited access.
Enrol nowFrequently purchased together
Now see it from the claimant’s side
Trauma-Informed Practice in Civil Claims shows how trauma shapes a claimant’s instructions, evidence and decisions, and what you can do about it. One hour, $99 + GST.
Questions
Is this therapy?
No. It’s practical training for legal work, written by a lawyer and mediator.
I act for insurers or respondents. Is this for me?
Yes. The exposure is the same regardless of who you act for.
How long does it take?
Two hours, self-paced. Stop and come back whenever you like.
Does it count for CPD?
If this course extends your knowledge and skills in areas relevant to your practice needs or professional development, you may be able to claim two CPD units.
Can my employer pay?
Yes. Organisational licences are available for firms, insurers and claims teams.
What if I need more support?
The final module points you to support services. If you’re in acute distress right now, please speak to your GP, your EAP, Lifeline or a mental health professional first.
Keep doing the work you believe in.
Two hours to recognise the signs early and build a plan you can keep.
Enrol now, $129 + GST