Student Affairs NOW

Student Affairs NOW


Understanding the Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma in Student Affairs

October 22, 2025

Vicarious trauma is real, it’s widespread, and it’s not the same thing as “needing more self-care.” In this episode, Dr. Jill Bassett-Cameron joins Student Affairs NOW to explain what vicarious trauma is, how it shows up in our work, and why student affairs professionals must stop ignoring or minimizing it. Dr. Bassett-Cameron offers a timely and validating conversation about how we can name, manage, and reduce the trauma we absorb through service.