About this site...

Synchrony has been created in response to my own experience of the difficulties, challenges and unique perspectives that can arise from living with the dual role of a trauma survivor client and trauma therapist.. I have sometimes longed for a sense of connection with others who understand this experience, and know that I am one of many. I know the evidence indicates that a majority of psychotherapists have also been clients of psychotherapy at some stage (See for Eg References1), and that many will own a history of childhood abuse in an anonymous survey (2). Most however, will not consider that it is wise to do so within their own professional circle of colleagues... (Finding My Voice) The schism which exists within society between those perceived as in need of psychological help and those perceived as properly qualified to provide this help is also reflected throughout the "mental health profession". As an Australian psychologist, and a survivor of a traumatic childhood, I have been working hard to reconcile these competing realities within my own life and to heal the rift between my professional role and my role as a client dealing with issues associated with my own childhood abuse. Although I know I am one of many, I have often felt profoundly isolated by this dual role...

Further thoughts... The Survivor Therapist Online

Within the relative anonymity afforded by the internet, I have managed to find mutual support within abuse survivor communities, as well as useful professional forums and resources. However, despite extensive searching, I have not found even one place wherein the dual role of a "survivor therapist" can be consistently acknowledged and the issues openly discussed. It is my hope that Synchrony can provide such a place. If you have read this far, and find you can relate from both your personal and professional experience then you are not alone. Welcome!

References:

(1) "A survey of 800 psychologists (return rate = 59.5%) found that 84% had been in therapy....."

Kenneth S. Pope & Barbara G. Tabachnick: Therapists as Patients A National Survey of Psychologists' Experiences, Problems, and Beliefs. August, 1991 issue of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Vol. 25, No. 3, pages 247-258. http://kspope.com/research9.shtml

(2) "A national survey of 250 female and 250 male clinical and counseling psychologists (return rate was 58%) showed that over two thirds (69.93%) of the women and one third (32.85%) of the men had experienced some form of physical or sexual abuse. ...."

Kenneth S. Pope & Shirley Feldman-Summers: National Survey of Psychologists' Sexual and Physical Abuse History and Their Evaluation of Training and Competence in These Areas. October, 1992 issue of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Vol. 23, No. 5, 353-361. http://kspope.com/abuse1.shtml

(3) "A survey of 800 psychologists (return rate = 59.5%) found that of 84% who had been in therapy, only 2 described therapy as unhelpful, 22% found it harmful, 61% reported clinical depression, 29% reported suicidal feelings, 4% reported attempting suicide, 26% reported being cradled by a therapist, 20% reported withholding important (mostly sexual) information, and 10% reported violations of confidentiality. .... "

Kenneth S. Pope & Barbara G. Tabachnick: Therapists as Patients A National Survey of Psychologists' Experiences, Problems, and Beliefs. August, 1991 issue of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Vol. 25, No. 3, pages 247-258.

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This site was created on Mothers' Day, 2000. If you would like to contribute to the evolution of its design and content over time, please email me at:

synchrony2000@yahoo.com.au