‘A Space Together and Apart’ – A Qualitative Study of the Meaning of Therapeutic Space

This qualitative study takes a phenomenological approach to explore understandings of the meaning of ‘therapeutic space’ in a wide sense, both conceptually and as experienced by counsellor and client. It includes a literature review, initial heuristic reflections and an interpretative phenomenologic...

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Main Author: Wayne, Susan
Format: Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Language:English
Published: 2013
Subjects:
Online Access:https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/26990/
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author Wayne, Susan
author_facet Wayne, Susan
author_sort Wayne, Susan
building Nottingham Research Data Repository
collection Online Access
description This qualitative study takes a phenomenological approach to explore understandings of the meaning of ‘therapeutic space’ in a wide sense, both conceptually and as experienced by counsellor and client. It includes a literature review, initial heuristic reflections and an interpretative phenomenological analysis of data from semi-structured interviews with three experienced counsellors and two centre managers. The study found that the meaning and experiencing of therapeutic space consolidated into four main themes and two more cross cutting themes. These are: Calling forth - a safe, holding, affirming space calling forth self-expression and exploration. Fit for purpose – an ethical, non-intruded space, conducive to the therapy and respecting and valuing the work. Meaningful – evoking multiple meanings communicated in many ways. Deep connection – a fluid space capturing intimate contact and interaction with someone or something beyond the individual self. Embodies the way of working – tangible interaction with physical space and materials. Fluid environmental salience – the varying intensity of impact of material factors on perceptive awareness. The findings are discussed and implications drawn for person-centred theory and practice.
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spelling nottingham-269902017-10-19T13:46:19Z https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/26990/ ‘A Space Together and Apart’ – A Qualitative Study of the Meaning of Therapeutic Space Wayne, Susan This qualitative study takes a phenomenological approach to explore understandings of the meaning of ‘therapeutic space’ in a wide sense, both conceptually and as experienced by counsellor and client. It includes a literature review, initial heuristic reflections and an interpretative phenomenological analysis of data from semi-structured interviews with three experienced counsellors and two centre managers. The study found that the meaning and experiencing of therapeutic space consolidated into four main themes and two more cross cutting themes. These are: Calling forth - a safe, holding, affirming space calling forth self-expression and exploration. Fit for purpose – an ethical, non-intruded space, conducive to the therapy and respecting and valuing the work. Meaningful – evoking multiple meanings communicated in many ways. Deep connection – a fluid space capturing intimate contact and interaction with someone or something beyond the individual self. Embodies the way of working – tangible interaction with physical space and materials. Fluid environmental salience – the varying intensity of impact of material factors on perceptive awareness. The findings are discussed and implications drawn for person-centred theory and practice. 2013-06 Dissertation (University of Nottingham only) NonPeerReviewed application/pdf en https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/26990/1/Wayne_Susan_xx4807_Counselling.pdf Wayne, Susan (2013) ‘A Space Together and Apart’ – A Qualitative Study of the Meaning of Therapeutic Space. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished) therapeutic space; therapeutic landscapes; person-centred
spellingShingle therapeutic space; therapeutic landscapes; person-centred
Wayne, Susan
‘A Space Together and Apart’ – A Qualitative Study of the Meaning of Therapeutic Space
title ‘A Space Together and Apart’ – A Qualitative Study of the Meaning of Therapeutic Space
title_full ‘A Space Together and Apart’ – A Qualitative Study of the Meaning of Therapeutic Space
title_fullStr ‘A Space Together and Apart’ – A Qualitative Study of the Meaning of Therapeutic Space
title_full_unstemmed ‘A Space Together and Apart’ – A Qualitative Study of the Meaning of Therapeutic Space
title_short ‘A Space Together and Apart’ – A Qualitative Study of the Meaning of Therapeutic Space
title_sort ‘a space together and apart’ – a qualitative study of the meaning of therapeutic space
topic therapeutic space; therapeutic landscapes; person-centred
url https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/26990/