Edinburgh Napier University

  The study aimed to: 1. explore the clinician’s perspective of working therapeutically in Complex Psychological Trauma (CPT), particularly the field of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA); 2. Examine the perceived impact on professionals of working clinically with clients who are affected by CPT (GBV/CSA) in order to better understand the personal and professional meaning clinicians make of the experience. The focus was on the prospect of positive gains and growth, for therapists working in this field, as well as the presence of negative, or challenging aspects. A total of twenty-one clinicians (n=21) (counsellors/psychotherapists and psychologists) from National Health Service (NHS) specialist trauma services, a community mental health team, and a voluntary specialist sexual assault counselling organisation participated. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was utilised to conduct single one off interviews and analysis. Six themes were identified that described the clinicians’ experience: Called to the work; Connection, separation and oneness; Into and out of the darkness; Chaos into meaning; Reparation not repetition; and Expansion and growth. Themes were modelled to develop the first 'Therapist Led Framework of Growth in Trauma Work'. Vicarious Post Traumatic Growth (VPTG) was a key finding, with CPT therapists experiencing a ‘challenge/benefit/change’ growth process. A clinically applicable framework of clinicians’ growth process through trauma work is being proposed. This can guide supervision, training, service management, and selection. It is anticipated that findings will contribute significantly to professional good practice and governance, i.e. by shaping formal curriculum, supervision, consultative support, selection for clinical training, and training needs/CPD.