Wounded Healer: Listening to the Ways Clinicians Work with Their Wounding and Countertransference in Therapy

Abstract

Therapists are often drawn to their profession by personal wounds—experiences of trauma, loss, or psychological struggle that shape their capacity for empathy. But how do these wounds influence their work? Do they serve as a source of healing, or do they risk becoming an unconscious burden? This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of Wounded Healers, examining how personal trauma, mental illness, or other painful experiences impact clinical practice, particularly through countertransference and self- awareness. Using Gilligan’s (2015) Listening Guide method, this study highlights the voices of therapists as they navigate the complexities of countertransference, self- disclosure, and professional boundaries. The research examines how clinicians engage with their own woundedness in the therapeutic process, identifying themes such as the paradox of woundedness as both a source of deep empathy and a potential challenge, the negotiation of professional and personal boundaries, the emotional toll of working with trauma survivors, and the ongoing process of therapist self-reflection and healing. Rather than upholding the traditional image of the detached clinician, this study argues for a relational, depth-oriented approach, where therapists integrate their healing journey into their work in a way that fosters mutual transformation. By breaking the silence around therapist woundedness, this research calls for a cultural shift in clinical psychology—one that acknowledges the interplay between personal history, countertransference, and the therapist’s attunement. This study has implications for therapist training, supervision, and self-care, emphasizing the importance of ethically attuned clinicians