Social Workers' Narratives of Experiences and Transformations Through Personal Psychotherapy

Abstract

Psychotherapy constitutes an evidence-based method aimed at promoting psychological well-being, grounded in diverse theoretical frameworks and reliant upon the clinical competencies of the psychotherapist. It represents a dynamic and collaborative process involving the exploration of an individual’s internal experiences and the effective resolution of psychosocial and emotional difficulties. Participation in psychotherapy has been shown to alleviate symptoms of mental disorders, enhance quality of life, and contribute meaningfully to continuous personal growth and development. Social workers, who operate simultaneously as mental health professionals and as individuals facing their own personal challenges, appear to derive substantial benefit from engaging in personal psychotherapy. Their motivations for seeking therapeutic support often encompass the need to manage the emotional toll of their profession, navigate ethical dilemmas, strengthen empathic capacities, pursue personal development, and cultivate a heightened sensitivity to issues of diversity. The present study aims to investigate the impact of personal psychotherapy on social workers, with particular emphasis on its influence on both personal well-being and professional practice. Specifically, it seeks to examine the ways in which therapeutic engagement shapes cognitive and emotional processes, professional competencies, and relational dynamics with service users. Drawing upon semi-structured interviews with nine social workers from diverse occupational contexts, the findings underscore the significance of psychotherapy as a catalyst for professional self-improvement, a preventative measure against occupational burnout, a means of reinforcing professional integrity, and a vital source of personal relief and empowerment.