Repeated exposure to traumatogenic material as part of work with traumatised individuals can have detrimental effects on professionals’ well-being. Growing research has explored this phenomenon, known as ‘vicarious traumatisation’. Nevertheless, little research has focused on the positive effects of this work on professionals, namely, ‘vicarious post-traumatic growth’. This literature review aims to identify existing research demonstrating mental health professionals’ experiences of growth, along with environmental and personal factors that facilitate this growth. Eight qualitative and seven quantitative articles were identified following a systematic search of six electronic databases and assessed for their quality using standardised checklists. Qualitative studies were assessed using the Quality Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Studies (NICE, 2012), and quantitative studies were assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (Downes et al., 2016). Professionals described changes in the way they view themselves, the value they place on their relationships and their appreciation for life. Important organisational factors and personal traits were identified as significant predictors for professionals’ growth. Our findings have the potential to inform practical recommendations and directions for future research.

This study aimed to provide evidence based recommendations to the course team at the University of Birmingham on how to formally obtain and incorporate service user feedback (SUF) into trainee Clinical psychologists placement assessment and clinical experience. Focus groups were held separately with four stakeholders. This included the course team, adult mental health services users, supervisors and trainees. Interestingly, trainees, service users and the course team thought SUF for trainees is for the assessment and development of trainees than it also being useful for the service user and therapy. Supervisors thought SUF for trainees is no different to SUF used as part of routine clinical practice and is, additionally, being used in the assessment of trainees. Many of the stakeholder choices and concerns were influenced by their understanding of SUF for trainees. The results were discussed in a working group of representatives from each stakeholder group and recommendations were made.