Jennifer,
Interesting question which is multidimensional as one can see from the two thoughtful responses above.
It is very important when educating students about ACEs to also help them understand the nature of secondary trauma (aka compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma). Their exposure to the primary trauma of their current or future clients can indeed stimulate legitimate grief and/or restimulate old emotional wounds within themselves.
Hope you'll take a look at www.caregiversfilm.com and watch the trailer of "Portraits of Professional CAREgivers: Their Passion. Their Pain." The film features social workers and a number of additional professional caregivers who share their personal stories about STS and how progressive organizations are developing programs to promote resilience of the staff.
acesconnection will be hosting a free online screening of the 56 minute version of the film on Dec. 2 (2:00 p.m. EST/ 11:00 a.m. PST) with a chat afterwards.
Hope you and others can tune in and feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions or would like to talk further.
Best wishes in your teaching.
Vic Compher, MSS, LCSW
Director, Co-Producer, Trainer
viccompher@comcast.net
267-266-0842