Table 2 Themes organized by social-ecological model level

Individual level

 Theme 1 Navigating the variability of the physical environment

 Theme 2 Navigating boundary setting and self-care

     Subtheme 2.1 Feelings of guilt

     Subtheme 2.2 Impact of lived experiences

Interpersonal level

 Theme 3 Establishing and maintaining relationships with clients

 Theme 4 Establishing and maintaining relationships with fellow staff

Organization level

 Theme 5 Receiving affirmation and care from supervisors

 Theme 6 Receiving resources and benefits from the organization

    Subtheme 6.1 Training and shadowing

    Subtheme 6.2 Staffing

    Subtheme 6.3 Compensation and benefits

Community level

 Theme 7 Working with a stigmatized population in a stigmatized field

    Subtheme 7.1 Onus of public education

   Subtheme 7.2 Ideological misalignment

 Theme 8 Working within complex and inefficient systems

     Subtheme 8.1 Navigating bureaucracy

     Subtheme 8.2 Perceived helplessness