From Prisons to War Zones: Navigating Vicarious Trauma with Mark Walsh and Christian Branscombe

Today I welcome two previous guests from earlier this season to share their unique experiences and expertise on the topic of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. Mark Walsh, an embodiment coach, trauma trainer & host of The Embodiment Podcast, and Christian Branscombe, a restorative justice facilitator and coach. Together we dive into the intricacies of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue, especially in the contexts of working in prisons and war-torn Ukraine. 

The two of them share experience to help us delve into the ways self-awareness, self-compassion, and structured self-care practices are crucial for managing compassion fatigue. The conversation also touches on the psychological impacts of trauma, the importance of maintaining boundaries, and the role of spirituality and humor in coping with intense and challenging work settings.

This conversation on managing the impacts of trauma in high-stress careers and situations may come as some comfort for you as the world around us changes.

00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Episode Overview

01:39 Discussing Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue

03:02 Personal Experiences and Coping Mechanisms

07:13 Training and Self-Regulation Practices

17:32 Spirituality and Self-Awareness in Trauma Work

23:27 Challenges and Strategies in Prison Environments

32:13 Exploring Somatic Models

32:44 Understanding Emotional Resonance

34:28 Challenges in the Prison System

35:10 Trauma and Re-traumatization

39:26 The Power of Ideas and Hope

47:09 Connection and Well-being

54:01 Self-Care and Boundaries

55:01 Conclusion and Contact Information