Experiences of psychotherapeutic care for victims-survivors of human rights violations after the Social Outbreak in the cities of Santiago and Valparaíso

Abstract

Introduction: This article discusses the psychotherapeutic care experiences of victims who survived human rights violations during the Social Outbreak in Santiago and Valparaíso, Chile.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in 2021, two years after the Social Outbreak, using a qualitative methodology. Data production was conducted by conducting semi-structured interviews with six psychology professionals who provided care to victims and survivors of human rights violations. Data analysis was carried out using Grounded Theory.

Results: The primary findings indicate the emotional impact on professionals following psychotherapeutic care. Professionals faced this experience as a challenge on a personal and professional level, since it was developed in an adverse political scenario and without specific professional training.

Discussions: This meant that the care was given as a result of an individual commitment of an ethical-political nature to human rights, accounting for shortcomings in academic training in psychology and gaps in mental health care in Chile.