A phenomenological study of the experiences of occupational trauma counselors in industrial accident psychological support.

Industrial accidents often leave workers psychologically traumatized, and the occupational trauma counselors who assist them are exposed to ongoing stress. This study aims to explore the experiences of occupational trauma counselors who provide psychological support following industrial accidents. In-depth interviews were conducted with five counselors involved in crisis interventions during major industrial accidents, and the data were analyzed using van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenology method. The analysis revealed 24 subthemes and 5 overarching themes that encapsulate the essence of the counselors' experiences: “Facing the scene of suffering,” “Being thrown into an unfamiliar situation,” “Struggling amidst chaos,” “Experiencing anxiety and emptiness after intense immersion,” and “Reflecting on life and suffering, and becoming an advocate.” These findings have implications for enhancing psychological support in occupational trauma cases, and recommendations for future research are provided.