Self-Care and Energetic Cleansing of the Therapist

Identification of Somatic and Cognitive Symptomatology

The impact of vicarious trauma is not limited to the emotional sphere; it colonizes the therapist's body and cognition.

At the somatic level, the practitioner may experience a state of physiological hyperarousal similar to that of his or her patients, manifesting in sleep disturbances, recurrent nightmares with themes of persecution or violence, and chronic fatigue that does not subside with ordinary rest.

Behaviorally, changes in appetite or motor restlessness may occur. Cognitively, there is an intrusion of the trauma into private life.

The therapist may suffer obsessive thoughts about the safety of his or her own family members, developing unwarranted hypervigilance, such as compulsively checking that doors are locked.

There is a fragmentation in the ability to concentrate and an alteration in the basic cognitive schemes about security and trust in the world, leading to a social disconnection or apathy towards activities that used to generate pleasure.

Debunking and Supervision Techniques

To mitigate these effects, it is mandatory to establish discharge or debunking protocols.

This involves not only formal clinical supervision, but the creation of a peer support network where emotions and countertransferential reactions can be verbalized without fear of professional judgment.

Isolation is the breeding ground for secondary trauma; therefore, communion with other professionals who understand the burden of "professional secrecy" is vital.

This practice acts as an outlet for pent-up psychic pressure.

By sharing the burden, the reality of the traumatic impact is validated and the distortion of the therapist's internal reality is prevented.

It is a mental hygiene process equivalent to the sterilization of surgical instruments: necessary to prevent cross-infection between the therapist's psyche and the patient's psyche in future sessions.

Energetic Hygiene and Physiological Regulation Practices

Beyond verbal supervision, physical interventions are required to "cleanse" the nervous system.

The incorporation of disciplines that integrate mind and body, such as Yoga or Tai Chi, is recommended to release residual somatic tension.

Additionally, there are hydrotherapy techniques applied to emotional regulation, such as the use of cold water showers.

This technique, based on the physiological response to thermal shock, suggests exposing the body to cold water for short intervals (5-10 seconds) at the end of the working day.

The intense cold stimulus on key areas (head, neck, solar plexus) acts as a "reboot" of the autonomic nervous system, helping to dissipate mental rumination and the energy load absorbed during clinical sessions.

Like ancient purification rituals after contact with illness or death, these modern practices seek to restore the healer's homeostasis, ensuring longevity and professional effectiveness.

Summary

Vicarious trauma colonizes the body and mind, manifesting somatically in sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, and recurrent nightmares. Cognitively, it generates obsessive thoughts about family safety and unwarranted hypervigilance, disrupting basic trust and causing social disconnection.

It is mandatory to establish discharge protocols and clinical supervision to verbalize emotions and avoid professional isolation. Sharing the burden with a network of peers validates the traumatic impact, acting as a necessary mental hygiene to prevent psychic cross-infection.

Physical interventions such as Yoga, Tai Chi or cold water hydrotherapy are required to cleanse and regulate the nervous system. These practices release residual somatic tension and act as a physiological reset, restoring the healer's homeostasis after the sessions.