Reconnecting With Hidden Aspects-ofSelf.

A descriptive
phenomenological inquiry into the clients experience of reconnecting with
hidden aspects-of-self within the context of Integrative Psychotherapy.
by Catherine ORiordan , Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute, 2013 added
22/02/2016
Email: phaedo1964@yahoo.co.uk
Aim/Purpose: To better understand the clients subjective, intrapsychic experience
of reconnecting with hidden aspects-of-self within the context of Integrative
Psychotherapy. To map the clients phenomenal experience and identify optimal
attitudes and therapeutic interventions to enhance safe facilitation of this early
phase in the process of intrapsychic integration. Design/Methodology: A qualitative
methodology was adopted allowing a deep relationship-based inquiry consistent
with the philosophical principles of Integrative Psychotherapy. A literature review
contextualized the study within relevant research demonstrating the clinical
importance of further inquiry into the process of reconnecting from the clients
perspective. Research participants recruited by poster - were either qualified or
Humanistic-Integrative Psychotherapists in training. Seven one to one semistructured interviews were conducted. Each participant was asked to Describe your
experience as a client of discovering your hiding inner-child within the context of
Integrativ Psychotherapy. Participant descriptions were analyzed using Giorgis
Descriptive Phenomenological Method. Results/Findings: The research findings,
illustrated with participant descriptions, map out the psychological structure or
design of the clients experience of reconnecting with aspects or parts of self that
were hitherto hidden (from self and / or others). Three stages and five movements
were identified in this early phase of the reconnecting process. The findings identify
the clients felt-sense of something important but not understood. The clinical
significance of this felt-sense is critically explored in the light of the Literature
Review. Research Limitations: Participants recounted their experience from the
perspective of being trained in the concepts of Integrative Psychotherapy and after
the actual process of reconnecting within the therapeutic context.
Conclusions/Implications: By focusing on the clients felt-sense of something
important but not understood client and therapist are able to reconnect with the
clients true self or organismic self or relational needs, thus by-passing the
binding power of shame and reducing the risk of retraumatisation through
regression or identification into unassimilated developmental child-parts. The map
is a useful therapeutic tool for client and therapist alike.

A child's Death: A heuristic exploration of mothers' grief

by Gail Ashton , Chester University, 2006 added 09/12/2010
Email: g.ashton@glyndwr.ac.uk
The death of a child is one of the most difficult losses that can have complicated,
intense and long-lasting effects upon a bereaved parent. This qualitative heuristic
study explored the grief experience of mothers after the death of their children,
considering how or whether bereaved mothers world-view was changed, how they
rebuilt self whilst adapting to a new and changed life and exploring the importance
and value of remaining connected to and continuing the bond with their child. Posttraumatic growth was also explored in addition to any existential, spiritual or life
changes that resulted during the mothers grieving. The experience of the
researcher, a bereaved mother and counsellor, remained visible within the research,
integrating her own personal and professional experience alongside the
participants stories. Data for analysis included interview transcripts with five
bereaved mothers together with rich data such as poetry, narratives and
photographs. This data was analysed using an inductive approach and Moustakass
(1990) heuristic process of data analysis. The constant comparative method
informed this process. The findings not only highlighted the intensity and lifelong
process of grief following the death of a child, but also significant changes in worldview, perspective on life and personal values, alongside personal growth and a
changed view and altered level of understanding and valuing of people. Significant
changes in self and attitudes were described such as a new enthusiasm for living,
pride in self, contentment, strength, confidence and a new sense of enrichment, joy
and pleasure, alongside the continuing pain of loss and an ongoing relationship with
the child. The ways in which child death can be experienced and what can enable
bereaved mothers to reconnect and rebuild their lives after such a devastating loss
was additionally highlighted. The implications and findings of this study are
discussed and potential further areas of study indicated.

Hear their silent cries - how to give a voice to those who had no choice
by Margrite Tebboth , University of Southampton, 2009 added 11/08/2009
Email: gritlimt@yahoo.com
The purpose of this study was to ascertain the best way to hear the clients voice
and to evaluate what adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse perceive as helpful
and hindering in counselling. Sexual abuse thrives on secrecy, silence, deception
and collusion. The aim is to find out if there is a parallel process at work within the
helping community and/or the general public. The need arises because sexual
abuse impacts not just the victim, but its effects reverberate within all of society,
maybe for generations.An in-depth literature review examines the effects of
childhood sexual abuse on the individual and its repercussions on the wider
community.Two significant papers were evaluated. The first study looked at
womens perceptions of power and control in sexual abuse counselling, while the
second research paper addressed client-counsellor communication and
dissatisfaction.The findings of this review show that the voices of adult survivors of
childhood sexual abuse are not heard to any significant degree within the
counselling, research or literary community. Significantly, the voice of the survivortherapist is virtually missing. Research as to survivors perceptions on efficacy of
therapy is scarce and sexual abuse is hidden within other traumas. The
implications are that specialist training in incest and sexual abuse counselling is
indicated in order to minimise therapeutic errors. My conclusion is that this client
group needs to be heard and addressed apart from other traumas, and that this
could be supported by further research into survivors perceptions of sexual abuse
counselling. I feel that this work will help counsellors and survivors. Suggestions for
future research are discussed.