Psychologists’ perceptions of assessing and treating trauma-exposed clients

ABSTRACT

Objective

Psychologists are primary care professionals responsible for providing treatment to people exposed to trauma. However, there has been limited research exploring psychologists’ perceptions of their practice and trauma-informed care when treating people exposed to trauma. The current study aimed to investigate: 1) psychologists’ perceptions of assessing and treating trauma-exposed clients; and 2) psychologists’ perceptions of trauma-informed practice and their need for further training in this area.

Method

Surveys were completed by 99 psychologists, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Psychologists reported the importance of further trauma-related training and showed an inconsistent understanding of trauma-informed practice.

Conclusions

Changes in tertiary education for psychologists were recommended to assist future psychologists to develop competency and confidence in assessing and treating trauma-exposed clients. It was also recommended that psychologists with insufficient knowledge in this field to undertake further training in this area.

Key Points

What is already known about this topic:

• (1) Psychologists are primary care professionals responsible for diagnosing and treating clients exposed to trauma.

• (2) Working with trauma-exposed clients presents a burden for psychologists in terms of their mental health and wellbeing.

• (3) There is limited Australian and international research concerning the experiences and needs of psychologists when assessing and treating trauma-exposed clients.

What this topic adds:

• (1) This study demonstrated Australian psychologists’ mixed knowledge and confidence when assessing and treating clients exposed to trauma.

• (2) Mixed understanding of trauma-informed care and ways to implement trauma-informed practice were also presented.

• (3) More professional development for some psychologists is recommended regarding assessing and treating trauma, and regarding trauma-informed practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Trauma
• trauma-informed practice
• psychologists
• training

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Due to the nature of this research, participants of this study did not agree for their data to be shared publicly, so supporting data is not available.