The experience of therapy by therapists and survivors after exposure to armed robbery

In this article the results of research undertaken to explore the experience of therapy by respectively the survivor of armed robbery and the therapist of the survivor of armed robbery in the case where therapy is prematurely terminated by the survivor of armed robbery are discussed. A high percentage of therapy for the survivor of armed robbery is being terminated prematurely by the survivor. This might be the reason for failing to use all possible opportunities to recover within reasonable time. The research questions that arouse are: "How do survivors of armed robbery experience therapy after being exposed to armed robbery?" and "How do therapists experience therapy for the survivor of armed robbery?" A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was utilised. Phenomenological, semi-structured interviews were conducted with survivors of armed robbery and therapists of survivors of armed robbery to explore and describe their experiences. It was found that therapy leads to the experience of anger, fear, sadness and peace. The following needs of the survivor of armed robbery in the course of therapy were identified: a need to be cared for, availability, empathy, listening, focus on the armed robbery, help with the handling of problems, a trustworthy relationship with the therapist, sensitivity by the therapist and caring by important others in the life or the survivor of armed robbery. These needs were identified by both groups of participants. When these needs are not met within therapy, therapy is terminated prematurely and experienced as unsuccessful. Three principles of therapy were identified, namely that therapy should start as soon as possible, the trend and technique should be explained and signs and symptoms should be explained.