Healing beyond the scars of female genital mutilation (FGM): the experiences of Somali women in England with therapeutic interventions

This thesis explores the therapeutic experiences of Somali women in the UK who have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or FGM reversal. It focuses on participants' perceptions of psychological interventions and, from these experiences, assesses the cultural competence of therapeutic interventions, addressing a significant gap in the existing literature. By examining how FGM survivors engage with various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), it seeks to evaluate the efficacy of these interventions in addressing FGM-related trauma. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study explores the lived experiences of seven participants, identifying superordinate themes related to the psychological impact of FGM, the therapeutic process, and therapist characteristics and exchanges. Integrating Erikson’s Developmental Theory offers insights into how trauma affects individuals at different life stages, with long-term and short-term consequences. The research also provides a framework for understanding the developmental impact of FGM, emphasising the importance of culturally informed, trauma-sensitive interventions that align with the psychosocial stages of development. The findings begin to highlight the inadequacy of current therapeutic practices, which often fail to address the complex psychological, sexual, and relational trauma associated with FGM. By proposing interventions that are attentive to the survivor’s whole life through following therapeutic trajectories across the life-course, this research advances knowledge of therapies beyond CBT. Consequently, the research offers recommendations for developing more culturally informed and trauma-sensitive interventions that better meet the needs of FGM survivors. This contributes to the field of counselling psychology by advancing knowledge tailored to FGM-related mental health issues and informing the development of effective therapeutic frameworks.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Professional Doctorate

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wolverhampton

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Duale, Suad

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• McFeeters, Danielle
• Boyda, David
• Wesson, Caroline

• psychological trauma
• female genital mutilation
• cultural competence
• therapeutic interventions
• counselling psychology
• Erikson’s developmental theory
• gender-based violence
• psycho-sexual trauma
• interpretative phenomenological analysis
• sex

Licence

• https://wlv.openrepository.com/bitstreams/4a8b1100-530b-4727-8bb9-934c3c1ec6ba/download