Counsellor Perspectives on the Emotional Toll of Interpersonal Violence Work: Understanding and Mitigating the Impact
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Authors
West, Sarah
Issue Date
2025-08-04
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
interpersonal violence , vicarious trauma , compassion fatigue , clinician wellbeing , resilience , reflexive thematic analysis
Alternative Title
Abstract
Supporting clients affected by interpersonal violence (IPV) repeatedly exposes counsellors to deeply traumatic material, often taking a significant emotional toll over time. While the psychological effects of this work, such as vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and emotional exhaustion have been increasingly recognized, less is known about how clinicians themselves interpret and manage these impacts. This proposed study seeks to explore how licensed Canadian counsellors and psychologists understand and manage the impact of prolonged exposure to IPV-related trauma on their mental health. Using a qualitative design grounded in reflexive thematic analysis, the study will draw on semi-structured interviews and the Professional Quality of Life Scale to examine participants’ emotional experiences, meaning-making processes, and protective strategies. By amplifying the voices of clinicians and lived experiences, this research hopes to deepen our understanding of what it means to walk alongside clients affected by interpersonal violence.
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Citation
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License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess