Vicarious resilience in ethnic identity among BIPOC counsellors and psychotherapists working with attempted genocide survivors

BIPOC counsellors and psychotherapists share experiences of identity threats their clients of color face. Refugee attempted genocide survivors have faced the most severe identity threats: persecution of their entire ethnic group, yet they have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Vicarious resilience occurs when client resilience following trauma or adversity is transferred onto the counsellor. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine vicarious resilience in ethnic identity development among BIPOC counsellors who recently worked with a resilient refugee attempted genocide survivor. Five counsellors who were racial/ethnic minority group members participated in semi-structured interviews analyzed via thematic analysis. The counsellors were emotionally activated by the intersections between their own and their clients' identities, forcing them to face and embrace their ethnic selves, and recognize cultural strengths and values that can function as "Roots of Survival". Changes in professional practice were also reported, involving empowering clients to further develop their own identities, and engaging in psychoeducation and advocacy related to oppression.