The purpose of this study is to describe experiences of nurses working in psychiatric nursing, treating patients with psychological trauma, and methods for it. The aim of this study is to obtain valid methods and transfer experiential knowledge especially for the nurses who are beginning of their career.

This thesis is a qualitative study and based on the induktive approach. The material is collected interviewing four psychiatric nurses in January 2015. We used both an open interview and theme method.

According to the results of the key methods of working with patients with psychological trauma are the therapeutic relationship work, stabilization and supervision. On the basis of the results there is not just one particular method or way. Enstead of that each patient therapeutic relationship is the unique. The method is selected according to the patients contition and the phase of the trauma process. Transferring experiental is based on the current working methods of the trauma in the process step and the patients condition. Transferring experiental knowledge to the beginners was considered important. However, this is often on the responce of individuals and depending on the situation. The transfer of knowledge could be more systematical.

The persons whom we interviewed were professionals at working with traumas. Because of this study our comprehension of their valuable professional skills increaced. These skills "on the ground" are often ignored and these resources of stength should be used better. Working experience and the experiental knowledge shoul be noticed better also during the education.