"The Program": A Docuseries That Hits a Little Too Close to Home

Have you ever finished a show and felt...off? Not just emotionally spent from a dramatic finale, but genuinely shaken? That's what happened to me after watching Netflix's new docuseries, "The Program." I devoured it in a single day, but the lingering impact has been far greater.

This experience got me thinking about a concept not often discussed: vicarious trauma. It's the emotional residue left behind by exposure to the traumatic stories and experiences of others. You don't need to directly experience a trauma to be affected by it. Mental health professionals can experience it through their work, and anyone can be impacted by hearing a powerful story, especially if it resonates with your own past.

For me, "The Program" struck a deep chord. The series exposes the dark underbelly of a supposedly therapeutic program for troubled teens. While the program I worked in early on wasn't overtly abusive, it shared troubling similarities. Similar services, similar language – it forced me to question my own experiences and the treatment I provided.

Learning about a program marketed the same way as mine, but ultimately revealed to be a place of abuse and neglect, was incredibly difficult. So difficult, in fact, that some of my former colleagues couldn't finish watching. I pushed myself to complete it, and honestly, I kind of wish I hadn't.

Despite feeling confident in my own actions, the stories in "The Program" were harrowing. The raw, emotional testimonies, the visual proof of trauma, and the former participants' visible reactions while revisiting the program – it all took a toll.

Digging deeper, the series exposed even more troubling aspects. The program lacked evidence-based practices, relying heavily on religious experiences and beliefs to essentially "kidnap" children and exploit their families both financially and emotionally. And the attempts to speak with former staff? Many were gaslit or unable to acknowledge their role in perpetuating the abuse.

Vicarious trauma manifests differently for everyone. From a behavioral perspective, it can cause sleep disturbances, nightmares, changes in appetite, clumsiness, anxiety, and even self-harm. Emotionally, it can lead to feelings of hopelessness, confusion, numbness, and overwhelming sadness.The important takeaway here is that yes, you can experience these symptoms even if you weren't directly involved in the trauma. That's why it's crucial to talk about vicarious trauma!

Even within the series itself, former "students" were deeply affected by each other's stories and the video surveillance footage of the abuse. These powerful triggers are a testament to how vicarious trauma can be transmitted through witnessing or hearing about traumatic events.

If you think you might be experiencing vicarious trauma, here are some steps you can take:

• Monitor your symptoms: Pay attention to changes in your sleep, eating habits, mood, and behavior.

• Self-care is key: Prioritize healthy eating, exercise, and getting enough sleep.

• Seek professional help: Find a therapist specializing in vicarious trauma and evidence-based treatments like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) or CBT.

Remember, there's no shame in seeking support. Many people downplay their symptoms or struggle to recognize them as trauma-related. Regardless of the source – a tough documentary, your profession, or someone close to you sharing their experiences – your emotional well-being matters."The Program" is a powerful and disturbing watch, but its impact goes beyond entertainment. It sheds light on a serious issue and reminds us of the invisible wounds that can be inflicted by exposure to trauma.

So, whether you're a professional caregiver, someone who just watched a tough series, or anyone affected by the experiences of others, remember: you're not alone. There's help available, and you deserve to feel whole again.