Vicarious Trauma Training for Barristers at Cloisters Chambers

I recently delivered a vicarious trauma training session for barristers at Cloisters Chambers. Attendees chose to spend three hours of their evening, after a full working day, engaging with an issue intrinsic to legal practice, but not always given dedicated space for reflection.

The group approached the discussion with warmth, thoughtfulness, and a high level of engagement, allowing for meaningful exploration of the issues.

We explored the cumulative impact of repeated exposure to distressing material - through case papers, images, and direct work with people in crisis. The focus was on recognising signs of nervous system activation, and how reflection, co-regulation and clear boundaries can support sustained, effective practice.

Alongside this, we considered how this work is not about pathologising the demands of legal practice, but about recognising that emotionally complex work carries impact.  What felt significant was how quickly the discussion moved beyond individual coping strategies and towards wider questions of culture, reflection and peer support.

When reflection is treated as part of professional practice, rather than something separate, it changes how we all think about sustainability, judgement and decision-making under pressure.

Delivering the session so near the Royal Courts of Justice felt meaningful. It’s encouraging to see increasing openness to this kind of reflection in settings where it hasn’t traditionally been part of professional development. Attending to the emotional demands of the work is increasingly recognised as part of maintaining high standards.

These conversations matter because they help embed sustainability into professional practice, rather than leaving it to individuals to manage alone.

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