Community
Therapists are passionate givers and doers, but they are not immune to vicarious trauma and burnout. In addition to our training, we support our clinicians through peer learning groups, expert consultation, and events to connect you with inspiring colleagues.
Peer learning & support groups
A required aspect of JTSN training is participation in a monthly Learning and Support Group, facilitated by a Global Center psychologist. These groups are designed to be supportive collaborations for members and facilitators, where members can make inspiring connections while sharpening their new specialization skills.
Group Format and Culture
Learning and Support Groups (maximum 6 members) meet monthly for 90 minutes on a HIPAA-compliant online platform.* At each meeting two group members briefly present on an aspect of journalism culture as it shows up in one of their therapy cases. Discussions integrate learning from our continuing education offerings. Members may also use group time to consult on career development issues related to taking journalist cases into your practice.
Our network and mission is strengthened by diversity in racial heritage, cultural and gender identity, religious and socioeconomic background. Our facilitators strive for a gentle balancing of “air time” so we can benefit from all member perspectives.
*Participants are required to attend a minimum of 4 out of 5 Learning and Support Group meetings. Three groups are held at different times for scheduling flexibility, and therapists may jump into a different group as needed to make up a missed session.
Individual expert consultation
Need more time and attention on an issue related to journalism profession or culture? Leading experts on journalism culture and trauma are made available to trainees for free one-on-one consultation within one week of an email request.
Network gatherings
It takes a community to support agents of truth and justice. JTSN members will receive invitations to annual reunion meetings and free live virtual CE offerings. Our 2028 in-person conference will feature inspiring speakers, forums to interface with news leaders, and time to support and learn from one another.
Continuous Learning & Support
Free Data Security Consultation
JTSN Staff has partnered with security experts at the Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) to ensure free one-to-one consultation to any core member who receives a referral for a client who may be under digital surveillance. FPF consultants can teach you how to use fully encrypted software for telehealth contacts and documentation (HIPAA compliance does not ensure full encryption), so you can do no harm while you help.
Free Cultural Competence Consultation
In addition to monthly case consultation groups, trainees are encouraged to consult with JTSN staff psychologists on issues related to journalism occupational culture, and journalist trauma and resilience factors. Consultations are free and scheduled flexibly.
Continuous Learning
The webinar training will get you ready to see your first journalist clients without undue delay. But we have so much more to share with you! Want a deeper understanding of organizational dynamics in journalism? Need a roundup of the latest original research on journalists and trauma? Want to know more about topics like online trolling, sexual harassment, or peer community resources in journalism? We’ll provide continuous learning through specific subject articles, tip sheets, and high-quality short videos, delivered monthly to your email, as well as a searchable blog of topics related to journalism and trauma.