Therapists’ lived experience of mental ill health: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Background Therapists with lived experience of mental ill health (MIH) navigate a complex dual identity, balancing client care with personal challenges. Despite elevated MIH rates among therapists compared to the general population, implications within NHS mental health services are underexplored. This study qualitatively investigates how NHS therapists manage professional roles alongside personal MIH.Methods Remote semi-structured interviews were conducted with six UK-based NHS therapists with MIH experience. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was conducted by a researcher holding dual positionality as therapist and researcher with MIH experience.Results Three overarching experiential themes were developed: (1) Multifaceted identities: Therapists negotiate complex professional and personal roles shaped by life experiences; (2) Therapeutic encounters: MIH enhances empathy and humanistic practice but leads to emotional exhaustion and client over-identification; (3) Navigating challenges: Stigma, disclosure, and systemic barriers in NHS contexts hinder therapist wellbeing. Coping strategies include personal therapy, self-care, and supportive supervision.Conclusions Therapists with MIH enrich therapeutic relationships, but face stigma, disclosure dilemmas, and limited support options. Recommendations include NHS structural reforms, stigma reduction and confidential support services. Inclusive and supportive environments are essential for sustainable therapist wellbeing and enhanced client care in NHS mental health services.