Dr. Lisa Corbin, chair and director of the MS in Mental Health Counseling program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), has been featured in the July 2024 edition of the American Counseling Association (ACA) magazine.
Corbin's article addresses strategies for protecting oneself from vicarious trauma and highlights her ongoing contributions to the field of counseling. The award-winning ACA magazine is recognized as a leading resource in the counseling field, reaching a broad audience of mental health professionals across the United States.
“I am honored to have been asked to write an article for the American Counseling Association's Counseling Today magazine as the ACA is the world's largest association exclusively representing professional counselors,” Corbin said. “Vicarious trauma is an important topic for mental health professionals and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a culture of awareness and understanding for this issue.”
In addition to teaching, advising and mentoring students in PCOM’s MS in Mental Health Counseling program, Corbin maintains a private practice specializing in trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence, mindful meditations, and grief and loss support.
Her extensive experience includes more than 25 years of work on college campuses in both student life and academic affairs. Corbin completed her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University and has served as a trauma counselor at a Philadelphia inpatient recovery facility. She is actively involved in professional organizations such as the Pennsylvania Counseling Association (PCA) and the Greater Philadelphia Area Counseling Association (GPACA).
As director of PCOM’s MS in Mental Health Counseling program, Corbin incorporates her trauma counseling expertise into the curriculum, ensuring students receive up-to-date and relevant training in this critical area. Her practical knowledge helps bridge the gap between theory and practice in the classroom. Teaching students about vicarious trauma allows them to recognize early signs and symptoms in themselves. This awareness enables them to implement self-care strategies and seek support before the effects become severe.
“It is vital that we inform counseling students of their risk of vicarious trauma because knowing that you are susceptible to experiencing symptoms similar to PTSD because of the stories you hear may help clinicians identify what they are experiencing, normalize it, and help them seek assistance from a professional,” Corbin explained. “Talking about vicarious trauma during a students' training years may help them realize it is an occupational hazard and help prevent burnout.”
© 2024 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine