Work that might be triggering

[AgnesMiall]

Does anyone do a job (or voluntary work) that is related to their life experiences - for example bereavement counselling following own loss?

I have had a few very difficult life experiences and would like to do some voluntary work in relation to these (maybe starting in a low key capacity such admin) but I'm nervous about doing so as it might prove triggering. Still a few months more of therapy to complete before I consider this but just wondering if anyone else has done this kind of thing?

I deliberately avoid particular situations due to my own history as I know they are triggering. Sometimes it's unavoidable but I'm well aware that I need time out to process things after that.
As you've mentioned, you definitely need to be ready to do this. You need to have moved on emotionally yourself in order to be able to work alongside any issues that might be triggering. You also need to remember that you are there in a supportive role and that everyone's experience and opinion will be different. I have often seen things go badly because people have been unable to put themselves in someone else's shoes and are only able to see how they dealt with things or coped with situations. It can be hugely rewarding but also extremely difficult and you would need to make sure that you had plenty of support through your workplace.

I think it's quite common for people to want to do this after their own loss/trauma - a way of making sense and creating something positive.

I also think based on my experiences that it can be very problematic on both sides. Lived experience can be very powerful for supporting others, but it has to be at the right time in the right way - and with the right skills to be able to work with people who don't respond the same way as you did to your experiences.

Besides from vicarious trauma, it can be difficult if you are supporting or working with people who don't find the strategies that worked for you helpful. That can cause conflict and distress.

If you are still in therapy for your own experience, I personally would say it's far too soon to be considering this. As much as I empathise with you.

I applied for a job with a bereavement charity and they stated in their materials that if you had personal experience of this specific type of bereavement it had to be more than 2 years prior. I think entering in an admin type role is a very good idea for you to test out how it works for you. I think if you were going to work supporting people going though the same experience you would need to know you were in a good enough place yourself to provide decent support to them and keep yourself well.

Thank you for your feedback. It is really useful to hear other peoples experiences and I realise that having your own experiences to bring to the table can be a double edged thing.