Addicted to crisis: Exploring the symptoms of an addicted work system using the lens of Role Theory

Professionals working in mental health care and addiction treatment systems may unknowingly adopt, reflect and mimic the symptoms of their clients. This parallel process, combined with the vicarious trauma encountered within the system, can lead to staff compassion fatigue, burnout and unethical practices, all contributing to a breakdown in client care. Using the lens of Landy’s (1993, 1994, 2008, 2009) drama therapeutic Role Theory, along with Wegscheider-Cruse’s (1981) Family Roles, this article examines possibilities that exist for an embodied understanding of vicarious trauma and parallel process found at the systems level, in an effort to offer direct care workers a better understanding of the implicit and disembodied roles they play.