European Journal for Qualitative Research in Psychotherapy

Editorial

Linda Finlay — 2022-10-19

Editorial

Being a therapist- Becoming a researcher

Lennart Lorås — 2022-04-07

The aim of this study was to explore how four professionals, both therapists and academics, experienced the transition to becoming a researcher. Collaborative autoethnography gave us the opportunity to gain a collective understanding of our shared experiences (Ngunjiri et al., 2010). The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and resulted in four themes: (1) academia as a hierarchical system, (2) realizations about becoming a researcher, (3) a meaningful career choice, and (4) self-development. Research output turns out to be the most important criterion in academia. Employees in high-status positions like associate and full professor are therefore at the top of the hierarchy. At the same time a lot of teaching tasks need to be performed. Teaching is most often done by employees with less formal competence. This creates tensions. A tension that seems to be inevitable, as research is both a requirement and high in status, while teaching is one of the core tasks. Becoming a researcher is a demanding process on both a personal and relational level due to high expectations. All the same, research positions offer a relatively large degree of freedom and the possibility to organize the workday. The process of becoming a researcher was therefore described as meaningful, as it provided considerable opportunities for self-development.

Who are we protecting?

Peter Blundell — 2022-04-07

The concept of boundaries is a term often used within counselling and psychotherapy literature. However, there is a paucity of research into how useful and meaningful it is as a concept, for counselling and psychotherapy practice. This study researched how counsellors understand and experience boundaries within their counselling practice. Seven participants, who were all qualified and practicing counsellors, were interviewed about their understanding and experience of boundaries. These interviews were transcribed and then analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Analysis identified two superordinate themes: Protection and Safety; and The Structure of Therapy. This paper explores the first superordinate theme, which is further divided into two subordinate themes, which are: Protection of Self and Protection of Other. Findings indicate that there was a lack of awareness around boundaries, with some participants describing defensive responses to some boundary issues. However, participants also described using boundaries to restrict, limit and defend themselves when working with clients, and they identified this as necessary for their own safety and security. This study recommends that therapists should engage reflexively with boundaries within their practice, to ensure practice is client focused.

The transformative experience of finding a relational home with a psychotherapist

Linda Finlay — 2022-04-07

We explored the lived experience of finding a relational home in psychotherapy using a relational-centred, reflexive approach. Zoom dialogues, lasting between 35 minutes and 1.5 hours, were engaged with six psychotherapists concerning their experience of being a client and of finding a relational home. Our own experiences of being client, therapist and researcher were also explored. Phenomenologically orientated Reflexive Thematic Analysis iteratively processed the findings. Five emergent theme headings coalesced around: “Belonging”, “Safety”, “Holding”, “Affirmation”, and “Being-with”. Bridging concepts describing the nature of the relational home also emerged which linked and deepened the themes, namely: safe sanctuary, containing frame, secure base to grow, supporting connection, and spacious alliance. All participants experienced a relational home where they felt welcomed into a safe-enough space, attuned to, held, and appreciated by their solidly present, there-for-them therapist. In turn, this invited them to trust, let go and embrace more of themselves, and feel that they truly mattered. These findings are discussed in the light of the literature on philosophical understandings of home, as well as the therapy literature around the importance of relationship, presence, and relational depth. We also reflect on the implications for psychotherapy practice.

Exploring whiteness in the context of anti-racist practice: A mixed methods survey

Frances Basset — 2022-10-19

Exploring whiteness in the context of anti-racist practice: A mixed methods survey

“Are you analysing me?” A story completion exploration of having a friend who is becoming a psychotherapist

Alan S. McPherson — 2022-10-21

“Are you analysing me?” A story completion exploration of having a friend who is becoming a psychotherapist

The Reflective Online Practitioner Survey: The value in harvesting both qualitative and quantitative data

Alistair McBeath — 2022-10-21

The Reflective Online Practitioner Survey: The value in harvesting both qualitative and quantitative data

Processing of Self-concept and Identity in Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder: Findings from a Content-Analytic Follow-up Study

Maaria Koivisto — 2022-10-21

Processing of Self-concept and Identity in Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder: Findings from a Content-Analytic Follow-up Study

The therapist’s personal therapy: What influence does it have on their clinical practice?

Frederico Bento — 2022-10-21

The therapist’s personal therapy: What influence does it have on their clinical practice?

A story of psychotherapy

Megan Hayes — 2022-10-21

A story of psychotherapy