Therapists as Trauma Survivors: A Case Study Detailing Cognitive Processing Therapy for Rape Victims With a Psychology Graduate Student

This case study describes the treatment of a female psychology graduate student, referred to as Mary, who presented with complaints of “mild symptoms of depression and a lack of motivation. ” It was revealed that Mary had been sexually assaulted 4 years before presenting for therapy and was diagnosed with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Because of the timing of the symptom onset and the nature of her symptomatology, it is likely that she was experiencing a form of vicarious traumatization that further complicated her own difficulties. The primary purpose of the current article is to draw attention to the importance of self-care for mental health professionals and to provide recommendations for the promotion of well-being in professionals working with trauma survivors. The secondary aim of the current study is to discuss Mary’s progress through 12 sessions of manualized cognitive processing therapy for rape victims as further support for its efficacy