Vicarious trauma isn’t always sudden, but its effects can run deep. It develops gradually—like emotional sediment—layered from years of witnessing or hearing about others’ pain. Therapists, first responders, nurses, and caregivers often carry this invisible burden, which may at first feel like empathy fatigue or low-grade stress. Over time, however, it can reshape how individuals view the world, their work, and themselves.
Many who experience vicarious trauma find themselves wondering: Will this ever go away? Will I feel like myself again? Does vicarious trauma go away on its own, or should I reach out for help?
The truth is, there’s no universal timeline. The duration of vicarious trauma depends on a range of factors, including the intensity and frequency of exposure, the presence of personal trauma history, support systems, emotional regulation skills, and self-care habits. For some, the symptoms might surface temporarily after a particularly difficult experience. For others, they linger—manifesting as emotional numbness, a sense of hopelessness, irritability, or a growing disconnection from the work that once felt purposeful. It is important not to push through vicarious trauma, as this can have detrimental effects.
Vicarious trauma tends to last longer and go deeper when it’s not recognized or addressed early. Because it slowly alters one’s beliefs about safety, trust, and human nature, it can become embedded in personal identity, especially when emotional boundaries are unclear or self-care is deprioritized.
But there’s good news: healing is not only possible—it’s highly achievable with the right support. And one of the most effective paths to long-term recovery is psychotherapy.
Rather than offering a quick fix, psychotherapy provides the space to unpack and understand the internal shifts caused by repeated exposure to trauma. Unlike acute trauma, which is often tied to a single event, vicarious trauma builds gradually. A trauma-informed therapist helps individuals trace that build-up, giving shape to complex emotions and providing tools for reflection, regulation, and recovery.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one evidence-based approach that can support healing by identifying how absorbed trauma stories influence a person’s thoughts and behaviours. This helps in gently challenging distorted beliefs—such as “I can never do enough” or “The world is only full of suffering”—that often take root over time.
Other modalities, like mindfulness-based therapy, foster presence and emotional awareness, helping individuals become less reactive to triggering content. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) may also be effective for those who’ve internalized distressing stories or client experiences that resurface repeatedly in their own emotional landscape.
An essential part of recovery from vicarious trauma is rebuilding a sense of professional and personal purpose. Therapy can guide individuals through the process of reconnecting with their core values, creating healthy boundaries, and developing rituals of restoration that protect emotional well-being. It’s about reestablishing agency—not just reducing symptoms.
While there’s no exact formula for how long vicarious trauma will last, one thing is certain: ignoring it extends the harm. Addressing it through therapy, reflection, and consistent care shortens its lifespan and reduces its power. Healing often begins with recognizing that your emotional load is valid—and that you don’t have to carry it alone.
At CARESPACE, our psychotherapists work with professionals across healthcare, emergency services, and caregiving to support healing from vicarious trauma. Whether you’ve felt its weight for months or years, it’s never too late to reclaim your emotional clarity, your passion for helping others, and your sense of self.
