A Narrative Exploration of Lived Experiences of Mental Health Difficulties in Trainee Mental Health Practitioners

This thesis portfolio comprises three parts and considers the experiences of trainee mental health practitioners’ lived experiences of mental health difficulties.Part One: Systematic Literature ReviewPart one contains a systematic literature review exploring help-seeking and sharing among mental health professionals in training with lived experiences of mental health difficulties. A systematic search of five databases identified eight suitable papers, of which the findings are demonstrated using a narrative synthesis. Five central factors and themes emerged. Conclusions and clinical implications are discussed.Part Two: Empirical Paper Part two is a qualitative empirical study which explores trainee clinical psychologists’ lived experiences of mental health difficulties and the meanings made from these experiences, by hearing their stories. A narrative analysis applied two perspectives to consider the stories’ content and form. Conclusions and implications for practice are reflected.Part Three: Appendices Part three consists of the appendices supporting parts one and two and includes a reflective and epistemological statement