Review article

https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.94.5.9

Personal Growth Through Suffering. Post-Traumatic Spiritual Transformation

Saša Poljak Lukek orcid.org/0000-0001-9833-0339 ; Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tanja Valenta orcid.org/0000-0003-3924-9607 ; Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of the »Wounded healer« in psychotherapy. It explores how personal struggles as well as emotional wounds can serve as sources of empathy, compassion, and therapeutic efficacy. Drawing on the psychological theories of Carl Jung and Henri Nouwen, the study demonstrates how personal suffering, when integrated into one’s professional identity, can enhance the therapeutic relationship by fostering deeper connections and mutual healing. In addition, the archetype of the Wounded healer is compared with Attachment theory to illustrate how both emphasize the role of vulnerability and personal growth in developing empathy and the ability to help others. The paper also looks at the influence of religious and spiritual experiences on post-traumatic growth and highlights the transformative power of spirituality in healing and developing professional competence in therapists. The integration of psychological insights with spiritual dimensions provides a nuanced understanding of the role of empathy in therapeutic and religious contexts and demonstrates the interconnectedness of human suffering, personal growth, and healing.

Keywords

wounded healer; attachment theory; empathy; religion and spirituality; post-traumatic growth

Hrčak ID:

328731

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/328731

Publication date:

3.3.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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