Do you find that engaging in this modality of therapy helps you take in less of the trauma from the patients i.e., minimize the risk of secondary trauma?
In terms of trauma, definitely using metaphors and arts approaches lessen the impact of secondary trauma and also re-traumatization. Especially if the trauma the client experienced involved large amounts of shame.
For example, some for the refugees I have worked with had experiences in the rape camps during the Balkans conflicts or some of the refugees from Africa experienced similar atrocities. Not having to immediately name the trauma, but place it within a mythic structure can be very helpful.
The myths and stories provide a very powerful container. As you know, narrative approaches can have serious limitations in the context of overwhelming shame.
Re dealing with secondary trauma, it is vital that the practitioner look to their needs, if they find themselves in either an omnipotent or overwhelmed position, then they need to see that as a very serious warning sign. Practitioners need to have regular supervision when dealing with clients with serious trauma to be able to process this and keep themselves safe.