Unveiling sociotherapists' coping resources: exploring professional experiences through thematic analysis

Sociotherapy is a widely used form of psychological and pedagogical group help for children and adolescents in Poland. However, it is still unknown under this name, which causes its marginalization in scientific research. Knowing that sociotherapists face myriad challenges in working with individuals, groups, and systemic challenges, we decided to examine the coping strategies that led them to successful outcomes while working with adolescents. We conducted in-depth interviews with 22 sociotherapists (aged 28–60), asking them to share narratives of difficulties they overcame at work. We analyzed the resulting statements about the subjects’ experience using reflective thematic analysis. We created the following themes, which reflect the structure of resources (themes), mobilized by the sociotherapists: (1) “I can rely on other professionals”; (2) “I am ready to work on and with myself”; (3) “I am ready to be a container for their feelings”; (4) “I need to take action!”; (5) “But I’m a sociotherapist, and I have a mission!”. Findings show that coping with challenges involves seeking support from professionals and acknowledging personal growth in the work environment. Supervision and crisis intervention policies may become vital resources for sociotherapists. Broader access to societies can strengthen their professional role and foster a community-supported principle of good practice in sociotherapy.

Barbara Jankowiak, Emilia Soroko, Sebastian Pietrzak, Maciej Wilk