“Longing to be cared about and cared for” Exploring Experiences of Trauma Therapy and Views on Future Trauma Therapy (Including Digital) for Young People in Rural Northern Sweden

Young people in rural areas face challenges related to their living conditions, and unequal access to physical and mental healthcare. Despite the high prevalence of trauma exposure among young people, there is a significant lack of evidence-based treatment that is tailored to the needs of young people in rural parts of Northern Sweden. Barriers to accessing treatment include the need to travel long distances to access services, and a lack of educated, culturally competent therapists. Accordingly, this article aims to explore how young trauma patients in rural areas have experienced their trauma therapy, and their views on future trauma therapy (including digital forms). This knowledge will be used to develop trauma therapy that is adapted to the needs of young patients in rural areas in Sweden. The study included young trauma patients in rural areas in Northern Sweden between the ages of 15 and 21 (n = 14). Qualitative individual semi-structured interviews were performed and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The analysis resulted in one overarching theme, “Longing to be cared about and cared for,” and three themes: 1. “Rural circumstances matter,” 2. “Feeling understood and empowered”, and 3. “Ambivalence regarding digital trauma therapy”. The results show that rural contexts present both possibilities and challenges: new creative care landscapes are needed where young people are cared about and cared for (and with), including a deeper understanding of the multidimensional relationship between people, places, and care. Young trauma patients in rural areas want effective therapy with more knowledge and cultural sensitivity. The findings indicate that digital trauma therapy offers many benefits and reduces barriers. However, young people want future therapy to be provided both digitally and in person, and –importantly – individually adapted.