“It gave me a voice when I couldn’t express what I was feeling”, exploring the experiences of trauma-focused counselling with clients who use substances: A qualitative study

McNamee, Hayley

Abstract

Background: It has been recognised that providing effective and appropriate therapy for those who have experienced trauma is important in reducing both individual impact and the impact on public health. Subsequently, research into understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on physical and mental wellbeing, along with implementing Trauma Informed interventions and services has begun to receive more attention in the UK. This research is a qualitative study that explored the experiences of clients who have accessed counselling for childhood trauma alongside using substances. It focused on the perspectives of these individuals and their experience of accessing and engaging in counselling. The current study considers the context of mental health service provision in the UK, the link between ACEs and substance use and the emerging focus on Trauma Informed Approaches (TIA).

Aims: The study aimed to explore the experiences of clients who self-reported substance use alongside engaging in and completing trauma-focused counselling. Furthermore, to explore the implications of trauma informed principles within the counselling service.

Method: Ten in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with participants who had completed trauma focused counselling through a third sector counselling organisation. Participants were offered the options of attending interviews in person, via telephone or through online video calling software (VoIP). The data from interviews was then transcribed and analysed through reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings: From the analysis of the patterns across the dataset, four themes and associated subthemes were developed, “Challenges with accessibility”, “Safety and Trust, “The many roles of the therapist” and “Reflecting on the therapy journey.”

Conclusion: The results of this study support existing literature on trauma-informed approaches and practices and importantly, how this is perceived by clients who are users of counselling and other public services. The recommendations of ensuring safety, collaboration and being responsive to individual needs highlighted in current good practice guidelines for trauma informed services were supported in this study. Furthermore, the implication of trauma affecting groups and communities as well as individuals, points to a need for a community-based approach including after-care considerations.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 22, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 21, 2023
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9720293
• Award Date: Feb 21, 2023