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Abstract

This study explores the experience of therapists returning to professional practice following first-time motherhood. In response to an identified gap in the existing literature concerning therapists navigating their maternal and professional roles, the following research question was formulated: What is the lived experience of therapists who have returned to work following first-time motherhood? Although the therapeutic profession is female dominated and the importance of therapists’ reflexivity and self-care are requirements of the professional boards, there is very limited research specifically exploring therapists’ experience of navigating the dual roles and their subjective understanding of them. The study aimed to begin addressing the gap in the hope of better supporting therapists who are first-time mothers. An exploratory qualitative design was adopted using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with a small sample of seven participants to achieve an in-depth exploration of participants’ lived experience.

The research findings revealed three group experiential themes (GETs): a) Holding It All: Navigating the Tensions, b) The Interplay Between the Two Roles, and c) The Light in the Darkness. Overall, the findings suggest that women experience an inner conflict stemming from the high demands of both roles and the emotional availability required, characterised by work-life imbalance, loss of agency and a profound state of exhaustion. Furthermore, the maternal and therapeutic role seem to actively shape each other. The results also indicate that despite the challenges of both roles, women find a renewed sense of purpose that prompts them to reconsider their priorities and to place greater value on connecting with other women who share similar experiences. The implications of the findings for the field of counselling psychology are discussed and recommendations for future research are considered.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Psychology & Neuroscience School of Health & Medical Sciences > School of Health & Medical Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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