Therapist Resilience in Trauma Work: 'Resistance is the Secret of Joy'

Author

Gail Johnston NSW Registered Psychologist

Organisation

Private Therapist and Barnardos Find-a- Family Adoption and Permanent Care

Sydney, Australia

Speakers

Mary Jo McVeigh and Gail Johnston

Organisation

CARA Counseling

There has increasing discussion and interest into the impact on professionals working with stressful client populations, more particularly those working with clients who have experienced traumatic events. Although empirically valid research into the nature and extent of these impacts is somewhat limited, researchers assert that professionals working in the helping and counseling arenas are at considerable risks of a range of negative psychological consequences resulting from client contact with trauma survivors (Figley 2002b as cited in Bosarino, Figley and Adams, 2004). Several names have been conceptualised to describe the occupational hazards of this work including Vicarious Traumatisation (VT), Compassion Fatigue (CF) and Burnout (Trippany, Whitecress, Wilcoxon, 2004).

Some research has suggested, counseling professionals working with children and trauma, are at greater risk of suffering from these adverse affects as therapists struggle to cope with violations of children's innocence (Pope and Feldman-Summers, 1992 as cited in Pegal, 2003). Identification with the child is suggested to be stronger and consequently feelings such as rage, disbelief in the degree of people's capacity for cruelty, helplessness and feelings of revenge can be enhanced (Brady, Guy, Poelstra Brokaw, 1999).

To facilitate the healing process, children and adults who have experienced trauma require therapists to provide respect, human connection and hope (Saakvitne 2000, as cited in Saakvitne, 2002). To be able to do this effectively, therapists and practitioners are required to remain empathetically connected to children's experience without being overwhelmed by the associated occupational hazards. Whilst for some practitioner's trauma work can result in significant distress, for others there is evidence of significant resilience as they not only maintain their ability to engage empathetically, but also appear to flourish and grow (Steed Downing, 1998).

This qualitative study explores the experience of a therapist, Mary Jo McVeigh, who has been working for over 22 years with children who have experienced trauma and abuse. This study has a particular focus on identifying those factors that may have contributed to her resilience. It is suggested that the therapist's meaning making around the notions of identity, resistance, spirituality, hope, joy and the professional gaze have contributed to sustaining her in assisting children in their healing journey and resilience development. This paper will be presented outlining the above results in an interview format with Mary Jo herself. It is hoped that this paper will invite other practitioners to reflect upon the contributing factors to their own resilience in the field.

Presentation

Paper

Biographies

Gail Johnston has worked with children, adolescents and families in the Out of Home Care field in Australia and Ireland for over 12 years. Gail is a psychologist who currently works privately with children and adolescents in foster and residential care, and is also a Therapeutic Consultant and Senior Training and Development Practitioner for Barnardos Find a Family, Adoption and Permanent Care Service.

When Mary Jo McVeigh completed a Masters Degree in Social Work in Belfast, trauma. Over 22 years later Mary Jo is still passionate in her belief about the strength of children's spirit and is inspired by all they have taught her about resilience and recovery. She currently enjoys living and working in Sydney, Australia providing counseling and consultancy services to children and their carers and the agencies that support them. She has recently ventured in the world of writing children's stories.