The wounded healer archetype: applications to palliative care practice.

This paper explores the theoretical roots of the wounded healer archetype and the shadow side of the wounded healer. Our emphasis is on reflectivity as a means of expanding self-understanding and clinical consultation as a way of enhancing reflectivity. A case vignette presented in this article is taken from the clinical practice of one of the authors (KP), who, literally and figuratively, lives the role of wounded healer.