By therapist Con Healy
As someone who has walked the path of healing from my own wounds (depression, anxiety, grief/loss and PTSD), I have found that these experiences shape the way I relate to others in my counseling practice.
Having faced pain, adversity, and the work of recovery, I recognize how these chapters in my life have deepened my empathy and attuned me more closely to the struggles of my clients.
I strive to offer not only understanding, but also a sense of genuine connection, using my own journey to foster an environment where others can feel truly seen and supported.
I am a wounded healer.
Do wounded healers bring more empathy to their counseling practice? Yes, I believe they do.
Their own experiences of pain, trauma, or adversity can deepen their understanding and compassion for clients’ struggles, allowing them to connect on a more profound level.
This enhanced empathy enables wounded healers to validate clients’ emotions authentically, foster trust, and create a safe therapeutic environment where clients feel heard and understood.
Research and expert commentary highlight that these personal experiences, when integrated and processed, act as an “empathetic bridge” between the counselor and client, facilitating genuine reflection and support.
Clients frequently report feeling less isolated and more accepted when working with counselors who have navigated similar challenges, as these counselors can normalize struggles and model resilience.
Sources:
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/nurturing-resilience-in-the-wounded-healer
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-empowerment-diary/202201/are-you-a-wounded-healer
https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2-the-carlat-psychiatry-podcast/post/4701-wounded-healers-empathy-and-archetypes
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15401383.2022.2146027
https://reflexitycounselling.co.uk/2024/03/14/the-counsellor-a-wounded-healer/
