Ken Evans and Linda Finlay
To be, or not to be… registered: a relational-phenomenological exploration of what State Registration means to psychotherapists
Little qualitative research has been carried out on psychotherapists’ perspectives on statutory regulation and the personal meanings they bring to bear to the current debate about professional registration. This research sets out to address this gap by exploring the lived experience of what state registration means to ten psychotherapists drawn from person-centred, gestalt and integrative approaches.
Abstract
Little qualitative research has been carried out on psychotherapists’ perspectives on statutory regulation and the personal meanings they bring to bear to the current debate about professional registration. This research sets out to address this gap by exploring the lived experience of what state registration means to ten psychotherapists drawn from person-centred, gestalt and integrative approaches. A collaborative relational-phenomenological approach was undertaken using a focus group to collect data. Phenomenological and reflexive analysis highlighted the relevance and pervasive power of shame processes in four emergent themes: feeling pride-feeling shame, belonging-isolation, credibility-ineligibility and fight-flight. While formal regulation offers personal rewards around belonging, status and esteem, a shadow side lurks. Reflexive discussion suggests that unconscious parallel processes may be playing out in the wider professional arena.
Dr Ken Evans
44 Rue de L’Europe, 50850 Ger, France
ken@euroips.com
www.euroips.com
Dr Linda Finlay
Academic Consultant
29 Blenheim Terrace, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, UKYO12 7HD
L.H.Finlay@open.ac.uk
www.lindafinlay.co.uk
Linda Finlay
Embracing researcher subjectivity in phenomenological research: A response to Ann Scott
All researchers experience times of confusion and uncertainty and risk getting lost in the complex ambiguity of the research journey. We are inevitably challenged by the research process especially when it comes to trying to disentangle ourselves from our participants given the relational context of the research. There is a clear need for researchers be reflexive and to critically interrogate the impact of their subjectivity on the research and of the research on them. In this paper Linda examines some of the ways that phenomenological and heuristic researchers in particular manage – and even embrace – their subjectivity. Practical research examples to illustrate how theory can be applied in practice.
Abstract
All researchers experience times of confusion and uncertainty and risk getting lost in the complex ambiguity of the research journey. We are inevitably challenged by the research process especially when it comes to trying to disentangle ourselves from our participants given the relational context of the research. The research process both profoundly affects and is affected by the researchers. Research can never be a ‘value-free’ zone – researcher subjectivity is always present. There is a clear need for researchers to be reflexive and to critically interrogate the impact of their subjectivity on the research and of the research on them. This process mirrors our work as psychotherapists where we reflect on clients’ stories while analysing our own responses and the dynamics of the evolving relationship between ourselves and our client.
In this paper I examine some of the ways that phenomenological and heuristic researchers in particular manage – and even embrace – their subjectivity. Two processes are especially involved: the epoché and reflexivity. Both these concepts are briefly described here to act as a guide for researchers wishing to explicitly work with their subjectivity. I also offer practical research examples to illustrate how the theory can be applied in practice.
Dr Linda Finlay
Academic Consultant
29 Blenheim Terrace, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, UKYO12 7HD
L.H.Finlay@open.ac.uk
www.lindafinlay.co.uk
Anna Madill
Construction of anger in one successful case of psychodynamic-interpersonal psychotherapy: Problem (re)formulation and the negotiation of moral context
This paper provides a worked exemplar of psychotherapy research using the approach of conversation analysis inspired discourse analysis (CA/DA), sometimes known as discursive psychology (Edwards & Potter, 1992; Potter, 2003; Potter & Wetherell, 1987). The aim of the paper is to explore the potential usefulness of discursive analysis for qualitative psychotherapy research within a relational centred ethos. The paper presents an analysis of extracts from a case of psychodynamic-interpersonal psychotherapy based on Hobson’s (1985) conversational model. This model has a particular relational focus in assuming clients’ problems arise from relationship disturbances and that the therapeutic encounter is a vehicle for the manifestation, exploration, and modification of such problems. The model is conversational in that intervention consists of therapists’ use of strategies such as negotiation, metaphor, and development of a ‘common feeling language’.
Abstract
This paper provides a worked exemplar of psychotherapy research using conversation analysis inspired discourse analysis with the aim of exploring the usefulness of discursive analysis for qualitative psychotherapy research within a relational centred ethos. The analysis examines how a client came to describe herself as feeling anger towards her mother having previously rejected this understanding earlier in therapy. Specifically, the analysis explicates the process of successful problem (re)formulation, identifying the rhetorical strategies utilised by the therapist and demonstrating how client change may be approached as a discursive achievement. The central tension between discursive and relational centred qualitative psychotherapy research rests on the different understandings of subjectivity at the core of the two perspectives. The paper concludes, however, that the findings of discursive psychotherapy research may still be utilised in the service of relational centred practice. A detailed analysis of psychotherapy dialogue may be revealing in terms of how therapeutic meaning is co-constructed, how change is enabled through talk, and how cultural resources are mobilised within the practices of therapy. Such knowledge has a function, not least, in enhancing the ability of relational centred psychotherapists to be reflexive practitioners.
Dr Anna Madill
Senior Lecturer, Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
Tele: +44(0)113 343 5750
Email: a.l.madill@leeds.ac.uk
Nicola Gazzola & Anne Theriault
Supervisee Experiences of Broadening and Narrowing in Counselling Supervision
This study investigated supervisee perspectives of broadening (thinking, acting creatively, being open to new ways of being) and narrowing (experiences of perceiving choices as limited). Implications for supervision are suggested.
Abstract
This study investigated supervisee perspectives of broadening (i.e., thinking and acting creatively and being open to exploring new ways of being) and narrowing (i.e., the experience of perceiving one’s choices as limited) processes in their supervisory experiences. Ten supervisees who completed all requirements for a master’s degree in counselling were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. Data were analyzed using a variation of the consensual qualitative research method developed by Hill, Thompson, and Williams (1997). Participants described their experiences of broadening and narrowing and their perceptions of their supervisors’ contributions to these processes. The findings include four categories of broadening and five categories of narrowing, each with subcategories. Implications for the process of supervision are offered.
Dr Nick Gazzola
Associate professor
Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa
Gazzola@uottawa.ca
www.uOttawa.ca
Dr Anne Theriault
Associate Professor
Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa.
Anne.theriault@uottawa.ca
www.uOttawa.ca
Nick Bowles, Beatriz Moreno, Celia Psaila, and Andrew Smith
“Nicknames: a qualitative exploration into the effect of nick-names on personal histories.”
Name-calling, unkind nicknames and other forms of verbal harassment represent some of the most prevalent forms of bullying. As researchers, we found out immediately that there is very little literature on the subject, particularly within the field of psychotherapy. We found that name-calling, and nicknames in particular, are ambiguous social events that can serve positive as well negative goals, and their adverse consequences can be difficult to identify.
Abstract
This piece of qualitative research explores the impact of nicknames upon the researchers. The research shows that nicknames function positively and negatively, and can either disturb contact on the Gestalt Cycle or benefit contact. This research highlights its limitations, and suggests ways of building upon its findings.
To contact the authors of this article please address correspondence to:
Andrew Smith
Email garymoomoo@aol.com