A sociopolitical response to vicarious witnessing: testimonial therapy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Vicarious witnessing is an emergent focus for social workers who support highly traumatized communities. Research indicates that indirectly witnessing another person’s trauma narrative can lead to internalizing those narratives resulting in adverse emotional, relational, and somatic symptoms. In this Practice Corner, we reconceptualize testimonial therapy as a strategy to foster wellbeing among service providers who support clients with trauma. Providing the background of testimonial therapy, we follow with an outline of the process. Finally, we conclude with a discussion and rationale for its use with social workers.