‘Out on the edge of my comfort’: Trainee counsellor/psychotherapists’ experiences of spirituality in therapy: a qualitative exploration
Hogan, Kevin Francis and Woodhouse, Rebekah (2019) ‘Out on the edge of my comfort’: Trainee counsellor/psychotherapists’ experiences of spirituality in therapy: a qualitative exploration. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 20 (1). pp. 173-181. ISSN 14733145
|
Text
NU0098.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (497kB) | Preview |
Abstract
The integration of spirituality into counselling and psychotherapy poses complex challenges. Personal spirituality, professional competency and ethical considerations may impact on trainees’ experiences of integrating spirituality into therapy. This study adopted an inductive, qualitative approach to explore trainee counsellor/psychotherapists’ experiences and perceptions of integrating spirituality into therapy. Six trainee counsellors and psychotherapists were recruited using purposive sampling from a professional counsellor and psychotherapist training institution in the UK. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed two overarching themes: spirituality provides support but needs a warning; and spirituality is relevant but undervalued. These themes encompass a wide range of trainee concerns associated with integrating spirituality into therapy. Participants reported that they felt unprepared to work therapeutically with clients’ spiritual beliefs. However, the value of spirituality in providing support to both the trainee and their clients was highlighted by several participants. Some participants described integrating clients’ spirituality as having a positive impact on the therapeutic relationship, but often felt threatening to the trainee. This research has implications that are important as consideration for counselling and psychotherapy training and developing enhanced consideration of client spirituality and the interpersonal environment in which therapy is delivered.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Hogan, K. and Woodhouse,R. (2019) ‘‘Out on the edge of my comfort’: Trainee counsellor/psychotherapists’ experiences of spirituality in therapy: a qualitative exploration’, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 20 (1), pp. 173-181 which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12264. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. |
| Divisions: | Faculty of of Arts, Society and Professional Studies > Department of Health and Behavioural Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Ms Hazel Barham |
| Date Deposited: | 27 Aug 2019 13:56 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Sep 2020 05:10 |
| URI: | https://newman.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17267 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Edit Item |