When the Therapist's and the Client's Woundedness Meet: Dialogical Selves of Filipino Self-Identified Wounded Healers
Date of Award
12-1-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Major in Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Mira Alexis P. Ofreneo, PhD
Abstract
Dominant literature about wounded healers favors a singular conceptualization of the self, which reinforces the stigma that mental health professionals are immune from psychological wounds. Using Herman’s Dialogical Self Theory, the present study conceptualizes the wounded healer as having multiple selves: the wounded self and the therapist self. This study examined the internal voices of the wounded self and therapist self during countertransference. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve Filipino counseling psychologists who self-identify as wounded healers. Data analysis was guided by Herman’s Dialogical Self framework and Gilligan’s Listening Guide. Results show that the wounded self and the therapist self engage in constant dialogue as they navigate countertransference. A novel finding of the study indicates that the participants’ pattern of woundedness, referring to whether they characterized their past wounds as healed, vulnerable, or emerging, shapes their countertransference experience. This study calls for a dialogical approach in understanding wounded healers, as a way to eradicate the stigma and to create support systems for mental health professionals.
Recommended Citation
Topacio, Anne Marie D., (2023). When the Therapist's and the Client's Woundedness Meet: Dialogical Selves of Filipino Self-Identified Wounded Healers. Archīum.ATENEO.
https://archium.ateneo.edu/theses-dissertations/881
