The Holes in Jacob’s Ladder: Avoiding Pitfalls in Trauma Therapy

Abstract

This phenomenological study investigates the “lived” experiences of four therapists who work with patients who have been traumatized emotionally, sexually, or physically. The study focuses on the therapists’ experiences, which may include transference, countertransference, vicarious traumatization, and factors that lead to resiliency in therapists. The therapists’ subjective and personal experiences when working with patients who experienced similar trauma as the therapist are closely examined. The participants are comprised of a small group of Master’s and Ph.D. level therapists who have been working with trauma patients for 7-20 years. The study utilizes an interpretive phenomenological method as a mode of investigation. The clinical interview attempts to uncover the therapists’ traumatic experiences resulting from adverse consequences of doing the work and the transformational processes that can emerge. The dissertation begins with various psychodynamic theories to trauma including the concepts of attachment, dissociation and complex trauma, and concludes with the practice of secure attachment therapy and creating space for mutuality and intersubjectivity, that promotes the eventual healing of trauma. The management of transference and countertransference is the most crucial factor to resiliency along with proper self-care strategies.