The empathetic landscape: Examining the role of empathy in the well-being of counsellors and psychotherapists working with trauma

Abstract

Introduction

Counsellors and psychotherapists working with trauma experience constant exposure to clients' adverse events, placing their well-being in jeopardy. The pivotal role of empathy in maintaining their well-being is underscored, given the imperative for these professionals to sustain empathetic engagement with clients. However, prior research has solely focussed on other helping professions.

Methodology

This study employed semi-structured interviews to explore the subjective experiences of 14 psychotherapists and counsellors in trauma-informed settings regarding the role of empathy and its implications for well-being. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to analyse these data.

Results

Three main themes were identified from the analysis: Empathy is crucial, empathy as a risk factor and empathy can be regulated and developed.

Conclusions

The study's findings reinforce previous research and provide new insights into empathy's development and management in the context of professional trauma work.