Aim or purpose
To explore the role of client language in the developing sense of self and UPSR. To investigate how clients use the language of imagery and metaphor within the therapeutic relationship to explore themselves and ability to offer UPSR.
Design methodology
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, four semi-structured interviews. Process of conceptual and qualitative textual analysis carried out of the transcripts and initial interpretations of the same to arrive at themes for analysis.
Ethical approval
Research undertaken for MSc. Ethical approval was given by an ethic committee of tutors and peers following a presentation of the project and a discussion of potential ethical issues. Informed consent given by participants, including for withdrawal and publication.
Results and findings
The phenomenon, imagery use by clients, impacted on the development of unconditional positive self-regard (UPSR). UPSR, the indication of the client鈥檚 acceptance of the self, is a marker of therapeutic progress. Imagery is a powerful way for clients to relate to themselves, provides the ultimate personal language for the therapeutic relationship, and is used by the client in and beyond therapy. Arising from the client, their relationship to their own imagery and ownership of it positively influences the development of UPSR, and provides the means by which to see and describe that development. Therapists can use the language of clients to offer empathy and unconditional positive regard at source, and by sharing the client鈥檚 language can deepen the therapeutic relationship.
Research limitations
As a small-scale IPA study, this research doesn鈥檛 state conclusions about practice but seeks to be part of an ongoing conversation regarding the phenomenon. The findings were given validity by the rigorous nature of the data analysis process, preceded by conceptual analysis to ensure the stability of key terms, and in-depth personal reflection to account for researcher bias.
Conclusions and implications
Imagery use, for those clients and therapists who share this phenomenon, is a powerful way to access, encourage and make visible the development of UPSR. Careful ethical consideration needs to be taken concerning the use of therapist imagery or the interpretation of client imagery by therapists.
Views expressed in this article are the views of the writer and not necessarily the views of 91自拍 Publication does not imply endorsement of the writer鈥檚 views. Reasonable care has been taken to avoid errors but no liability will be accepted for any errors that may occur.