Abstract
The importance of self-care in social workers is
now widely recognized. Yet, little is known about
the specific ways in which helping professionals
can and do manage stress when faced with client
suffering or trauma. This article explores cognitive
coping strategies used by practitioners—tools that
may serve to buffer them from vicarious trauma,
thus preserving their dedication to the social work
value of service.
Keywords:service; self-care; cognitive coping;
vicarious trauma