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Di Rosa, Daniella (2024) Therapists' experience of vicarious trauma in therapy with clients diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Doctoral thesis, London Metropolitan University.
Background/aims:
Research highlights the prevalence of childhood relational trauma experienced by individuals diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) which has contributed to discussion highlighting the similarities between the conceptualisation of trauma and EUPD (Courtois, 2004; Linehan, 2014; Turner et al., 2020). Considering the prevalence of trauma experienced by clients diagnosed with EUPD it is important to consider the potential impact of working with trauma material on therapists. Literature highlights the significance of therapists 'bearing witness' to trauma material and experiences of vicarious trauma (Pearlman and Madan, 1995, p. 558). Therefore, considering the relationship between trauma and EUPD and trauma and vicarious trauma, this study aims to understand the experiences of vicarious trauma of therapists working with clients diagnosed with EUPD.
Methodology:
Data was gathered using semi structured interviews with seven therapists who self-identified as experiencing vicarious trauma working with clients diagnosed with EUPD. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Findings:
Three superordinate themes were found; 'It Happens to You', 'The Healer's Journey' and 'Being Able to Carry On'. 'It Happens to You' explores participants' experiences of vicarious trauma. 'The Healer's Journey' discusses factors that may influence the participants experience of vicarious trauma. 'Being Able to Carry On' describes how therapists manage the impact of vicarious trauma. The findings of this research provide an understanding of therapists' experiences of vicarious trauma and how therapists could be supported to prevent, mitigate or manage the impact of vicarious trauma.
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