When the Therapist’s and the Client’s Woundedness Meet: Dialogical Selves of Filipino Self-Identified Wounded Healers

When the Therapist’s and the Client’s Woundedness Meet: Dialogical Selves of Filipino Self-Identified Wounded Healers

by Anne Marie D. Topacio, PhD in Clinical Psychology Candidate

ABSTRACT:

Perspectives in wounded healer literature favor 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, which assumes the existence
of multiple selves, the study examined the internal dialogues of wounded healers during
countertransference. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven 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 wounded healers have two I-positions, the wounded self and the therapist self, who engage in constant dialogue as they navigate countertransference and the therapeutic relationship. A novel finding of the study indicates that the wounded self of the participants are in different stages of recovery. This study calls for a dialogical approach in understanding wounded healers, as a way to eradicate the stigma and to provide mental health support for psychologists.

3:00pm Tuesday, October 31, 2023 (Online)

Adviser:

Mira Alexis P Ofreneo, PhD

Panelists:

Nico A Canoy, PhD

Karina Therese G Fernandez, PhD

Christopher Franz A Carandang, PhD

Ma. Elizabeth J Macapagal, PhD

Keywords/Key Phrases: Wounded Healers, Dialogical Self, Countertransference, Counselor Mental Health, Psychotherapy