Understanding the Therapeutic Relationship Between the Wounded Healers and their Patients

Details

Supervisors

Willemsen, Jochem

Faculty

Faculté de psychologie, logopédie, sexologie et des sciences de la famille

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences psychologiques, à finalité approfondie

Abstract

A wounded healer (WH) is a practitioner who has been personally affected by past experiences and, through training in therapeutic accompaniment and their own therapy, assists others in their journey towards recovery. This paper has twofold aim: firstly, to gain a better understanding of the therapeutic relationship between WHs and their patients; and secondly, to provide practitioners with a visual tool that will assist them in conceptualising the concepts inherent in the therapeutic relationship of WHs. In order to achieve this, we employed a literature review method known as the Theory-Generating Literature Review (TGLR). This seven-step method is designed to assist researchers in constructing a literature review with the objective of developing a framework pertaining to a specific phenomenon. In light of this, we will examine the therapeutic advantages and disadvantages of the relationship between WHs and their patients. On the positive side, it has been demonstrated that WHs have a stronger empathic relationship with their patients and that there is a redistribution of therapeutic power between the different parties in the relationship. However, it has also been shown that past wounds could influence the therapeutic power of WHs, potentially leading to risks of overidentification. Our research has also led us to investigate the concepts of self-disclosure and countertransference in the therapeutic relationship. These two concepts could also lead to an increase in the strength of the relationship, but would have the risk of unprofessional behaviour. The findings of our research have enabled us to integrate them into a new theoretical framework with the objective of providing visual support for practitioners. Furthermore, the discussion will encompass the practical implications of referring to therapists as wounded healers, as well as wounded researchers or even how the work environment can influence the WH's therapeutic abilities