The dilemma of the wounded healer.

Abstract

The wounded healer is an archetype that suggests that a healer's own wounds can carry curative power for clients. This article reviews past research regarding the construct of the wounded healer. The unique benefits that a psychotherapist's personal struggles might have on work with clients are explored, as well as the potential vulnerability of some wounded healers with respect to stability of recovery, difficulty managing countertransference, compassion fatigue, and/or professional impairment. The review also explores psychologists' perceptions of and responses to wounded healers and examines factors relating to social stigma and self-stigma that may influence wounded healers' comfort in disclosing their wounds. We propose that the relative absence of dialogue in the field regarding wounded healers encourages secrecy and shame among the wounded, thereby preventing access to support and guidance and discouraging timely intervention when needed. We explore the complexities of navigating disclosure of wounds, given the atmosphere of silence and stigma. We suggest that the mental health field move toward an approach of greater openness and support regarding the wounded healer, and provide recommendations for cultivating the safety necessary to promote resilience and posttraumatic growth.

How Do “Mental Health Professionals” Who Are Also or Have Been “Mental Health Service Users” Construct Their Identities?

“…(Jack) Participants had to hide part of their identity, developing "unintegrated" identities. This is reminiscent of Bassman (2001) and Linehan (2011), both of whom waited until late in their professional careers before disclosing their mental distress, and Zerubavel and Wright (2012) who suggested that one's competence is less easily challenged by disclosure once it has become well established. Participants of the present study were aware of other service user professionals who did not disclose:…”

Τherapists’ accounts of relationship breakup experiences: A narrative analysis

“…Jung was the first psychotherapist who, inspired by the mythological hero, talked about the archetype of the wounded healer and he explored applications to psychology (Jackson, 2001;Kirmayer, 2003 as cited in Zerubavel & Wright, 2012). Although minimal academic attention has been given to the wounded healer construct, it has been well documented that many psychotherapists have a history of pain or suffering (Barnett, 2007;Farber, Manevich, Metzger, & Saypol, 2005 as cited in Zerubavel & Wright, 2012).…”

“…Jung was the first psychotherapist who, inspired by the mythological hero, talked about the archetype of the wounded healer and he explored applications to psychology (Jackson, 2001;Kirmayer, 2003 as cited in Zerubavel & Wright, 2012). Although minimal academic attention has been given to the wounded healer construct, it has been well documented that many psychotherapists have a history of pain or suffering (Barnett, 2007;Farber, Manevich, Metzger, & Saypol, 2005 as cited in Zerubavel & Wright, 2012). Prior research, exploring the influence of the therapist's woundedness on therapy, indicates many positive elements, such as empathic connection, deeper understanding, greater faith in the therapeutic process (Gelso & Hayes, 2007;Gilroy, Caroll & Murra, 2001as cited in Zerubavel & Wright, 2012) and, potentially, promoting self-healing within the client (Miller & Baldwin, 2000;Sedgwick, 2001as cited in Zerubavel & Wright, 2012.…”

Hidden Suffering and the Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences

“…Observations in the psychotherapy literature suggest many people are attracted to the helping professions through their childhood experiences of woundedness [19,20]. Did the little helper grow up to be a professional carer?…”

“…They project their suffering on to their patients. They treat patients, they do not identify with being a patient themselves ( [13], p. 94; [20]). Sometimes the lives of healthcare professionals get so out of balance through caring too much for others and not caring enough for themselves that they become sick and burnout [25].…”