Finding meaning in suffering : exploring the lived experience of wounded healers

Abstract

This dissertation explores the lived experience of the wounded healer. I endeavoured to understand the lived experience of persons who have chosen to work in a specific field, following an experience of trauma that was directly related to the same field. Six participants, who had overcome addiction or domestic violence, took part in this study. The research questions for this study were, “What is the lived experience of participants who choose to work in fields in which they themselves have experienced trauma?” and “What meaning do they make of their journey from wounded to healer?” A literature review explored available research pertaining to trauma and the history of the wounded healer concept. In the absence of available literature exploring the experience of persons working in fields in which they had experienced personal trauma, research pertaining to the experience of recovered addiction counsellors was used to explore potential trends in wounded healers. This dissertation was conducted using a qualitative methodology, employing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Data was gathered through the use of semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the data resulted in the emergence of six salient themes, imbued with the meanings that wounded healers gave to their lived experiences: Engulfed by flames, A decision to live, The role of connection in recovery, A transformational journey, The risk of re-traumatisation through work, and The wounded healer as challenged, insightful and integrated. In conclusion, limitations and recommendations for research and practice, were discussed.