'If I am not well, I can't do sessions well': An analysis of the narratives of Filipino Therapists during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Research is uncovering the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and emotional state of various populations around the world. It is of particular interest to this study to explore how the pandemic has affected psychologists conducting therapy with clients in distress during this time. A qualitative approach was used to analyse the narratives of eight Filipino psychologists who were living in community quarantine while conducting therapy from March to December 2020. The results revealed four chapters: (1) 'thrown up in the air', (2) struggling to find their footing, (3) gaining stability and (4) 'finding new rhythm'. It was found that these psychologists suffered the emotional distress from the pandemic that many are experiencing around the world. They needed to first regain stability in their well-being before being able to become effective helpers to their clients again. Moreover, they eventually found new purpose and growth in their practice. This study documented and discussed the journey of therapists in a shared traumatic reality, from first exposure to growth.