A qualitative study of the therapist's spontaneous mental imagery and its impact on therapeutic process

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

E-ISSN: 1746-1405|15|2|128-136

ISSN: 1473-3145

Source: COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Vol.15, Iss.2, 2015-06, pp. : 128-136

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Abstract

AbstractAimThis study explores the under‐researched area of the therapist's experience of spontaneous mental imagery (SMI) and its impact on the therapeutic process.MethodFive psychotherapists were interviewed and transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.FindingsFour overarching domains were identified. These concerned: (i) the multi‐sensory ways in which participants experienced SMI; (ii) a possible tension between personal affinity with mental imagery and professional approbation; (iii) a complex matrix of ways of understanding SMI; and (iv) the identification of three principle functions of SMI.Conclusion/ImplicationsOverall, this study indicated the potency of SMI as experienced by the therapist and its role in informing and potentially transforming therapeutic process. The provision of wider training to foster a greater awareness and understanding of SMI within clinical practice is recommended.