Date of Conferral

10-16-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Chet Lesniak

Abstract

This study investigated the pervasive impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on clinicians, particularly those who provide services to criminal offenders. ACEs contribute to a range of mental and physical health issues that can extend into adulthood, affecting not only individuals who experienced these adversities, but also clinicians who treat them. Despite the growing body of research on the consequences of ACEs, there remained a significant gap in terms of understanding how clinicians’ own histories influence their professional resilience and treatment efficacy. Garmezy’s resiliency theory, the framework for the study, emphasizes the role of positive contextual, social, and individual factors in overcoming risk and adverse outcomes. A basic qualitative methodological approach was used to investigate how clinician’s ACE’s influenced their effectiveness, as well as their own resiliency and engagement. Three key themes emerged from data analysis: Client interactions, countertransference, and resilience. There were also eight subthemes including increased empathy, a desire to help others, enhanced clinical traits, an increased awareness of countertransference, participation in their own therapy, and a search for meaning. The results indicate that clinicians can overcome their adversities; however, their personal biases and adversities influence the selection of their clients. Implications for positive social change include normalizing discussion of traumas and increasing effectiveness of personal therapy, self-care, and work-life balance.

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