Wounding Healers. Killing with kindness on the road to hell

ABSTRACT

A primary intention of those working in the caring professions is to make things better, rather than worse, for the people they encounter. Most are motivated by good intentions to help others. This article considers the shadow side of this ‘altruism’ and the unintended consequences that can sometimes result from the best of intentions. Drawing on works of Literature and Social Work Theory the desire to help, along with the exercise of power, is shown to be a ‘dangerous delight’ and to have the capacity to ‘bring about great ruin’. The concept of the wounded healer has been considered previously. Here, the possibility of would-be healers being wounding is examined. Those who set out to ‘help’ others are urged to carefully reflect on their motivation so as to increase the likelihood that they will follow an essential first principle of the therapeutic encounter and do no harm.

KEYWORDS:

• Iatrogenic
• unintended consequences
• do no harm

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

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Martin Smith

Martin Smith has practiced as a Mental Health Social Worker since 1984.  He has researched social workers' experiences of stress and fear and is particularly interested in ways in which the Arts can inform the helping process.