The interview is considered to be a critical technique in the therapeutic process. The effective (and by implication, the ineffective) use thereof determines to a great extent the outcome of the therapeutic process. Training in therapeutic interviewing forms an integral part of the training of counsellors and therapists. This study was prompted by BEd (Specialisation in Guidance and Counselling) students' need for a structured and systematic approach to training in therapeutic interviewing skills. A literature study of the phenomenon therapeutic interviewing revealed firstly that the skills needed for effective therapeutic interviewing can be identified and operationally defined and secondly that these skills can be systematically trained. Having a repertoire of interviewing skills is however not a guarantee that therapy or counselling will have a positive outcome. The therapist must be able to create a therapeutic relationship with the client and in this regard the therapist's personality and attitudes, including empathy, warmth, respect, genuineness and unconditional positive regard for the client, are of major importance in helping to create an atmosphere wherein the client can feel free to discuss his problems and innermost feelings and thoughts. In the design of a model to train therapeutic interviewing, consideration must be given to both content and procedure. Not only were interviewing skills addressed in this model, but also skills to communicate empathy, warmth, respect, genuineness and unconditional positive regard. For the purposes of this study, the therapeutic interview was divided into six stages. Skills used in each stage were identified, defined and discussed. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the training model. Subjects were trained in accordance with the proposed training procedure. In order to evaluate the subjects' progress and thus also the effectiveness of the training procedure, each subject's pre- and post-training interviews were compared. An evaluation scale was designed for this purpose. The results of the pilot study indicated an improvement in the subjects' interviewing skills. It is hoped that this study will pave the way for innovation in the training of counsellors and therapists in therapeutic interviewing. / Die onderhoud word as 'n kritieke tegniek in die terapeutiese proses beskou. Die effektiewe (en by implikasie, die oneffektiewe) gebruik daarvan bepaal tot 'n groot mate die uitkoms van die terapeutiese proses. Opleiding in terapeutiese onderhoudvoering vorm 'n integrale deel van die opleiding van terapeute en voorligters. BEd (Spesialisering in Skoolvoorligting)studente het 'n bepaalde behoefte aan 'n gestruktureerde en sistematiese benadering tot die opleiding van terapeutiese onderhoudvoeringsvaardighede uitgespreek. 'n Literatuurstudie oor die fenomeen terapeutiese ondemoud het eerstens aan die lig gebring dat vaardighede onderliggend aan die terapeutiese onderhoud geidentifiseer en operasioneel gedefinieer kan word en tweedens dat hierdie vaardighede sistematies aangeleer kan word. 'n Repertoire van onderhoudvoeringsvaardighede is egter nie 'n waarborg dat terapie 'n positiewe uitkoms sal he nie. Die terapeut moet 'n terapeutiese verhouding met die klient kan stig en in hierdie opsig is die terapeut se persoonlikheid en sy houding van empatie, warmte, respek, egtheid en onvoorwaardelike agting van kritieke belang in die skep van 'n atmosfeer, waarbinne die klient vry kan voel om sy probleme, diepste gevoelens en gedagtes te kan bespreek. In die ontwerp van 'n model vir opleiding in terapeutiese onderhoudvoeringsvaardighede moet aandag aan beide inhoud en opleidingsprosedure geskenk word. In hierdie model word nie net die vaardighede vir terapeutiese onderhoudvoering aangespreek nie, maar ook vaardighede om empatie, warmte, respek, egtheid en onvoorwaardelike positiewe agting aan die klient te kommunikeer. Vir die doeleindes van hierdie studie is die terapeutiese onderhoud in ses fases verdeel. Vaardighede wat in elke fase gebruik word, is gerdentifiseer, gedefinieer en bespreek. 'n Loodsondersoek is ondemeem om die effektiwiteit van die opleidingsmodel te evalueer. Proefpersone is aan die hand van die voorgestelde opleidingsprosedure opgelei. Ten einde die proefpersone se vordering en so ook die effektiwitieit van die model te evalueer, is elke proefpersoon se voor- en naopleiding onderhoude vergelyk. 'n Evalueringsskaal is vir hierdie doel ontwerp. Die resultate van die loodsondersoek het getoon dat die proefpersone se onderhoudvoeringsvaardighede verbeter het. Die hoop word uitgespreek dat hierdie studie die weg sal baan vir vernuwing in die opleiding van voorligters en terapeute in terapeutiese onderhoudvoering. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

Chemical substance abuse and dependence constitute an increasing international and national phenomenon. Individuals, groups and communities are at risk of the mental, biological, legal and environmental implications associated with substance dependence. Human sexual behaviour is no new phenomenon to be studied. Human beings experience sexual behaviour and gratification as important. Sexual behaviour is not vital for the survival of the individual but vital for survival of the species. Sexual behaviour in combination with chemical substance abuse might pose further dangers to a person or group. Sexual behaviour where persons engage in sexual actions when using or abusing chemical substances could construct certain positive functions for persons. Qualitative researchers are interested in discovering the meaning persons attach to experiences. In understanding the dynamics of the phenomenon, possible contributions to the human sciences could be made. Chemical substance abuse and dependency affect the individual, his/her family systems and the community. Depressants and stimulants change the chemical functioning of the human brain and the mental health of the user. Despite the harm caused to the dependent person, abuse of the chemical substance is continued. The substance has various functions that the biological and psychological person becomes dependent on. Sexual behaviour is inherent in human nature, but not chemical substance abuse. It is expected by the researcher that there might be certain function(s) served by chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons. A literature study on the topic on the function of chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons yielded unsatisfactory results. Little research was found with regard to the function of chemical substances in relation to people’s sexual behaviour. In response to this need the researcher embarked on a qualitative research journey to explore the function of the chemical substances within the context of an individual’s sexual behaviour and practices. Chemical substances have different functions and affect the sexual behaviour, functioning and experiences of the users of such substances. Six objectives were set with the aim of developing an in-depth understanding of the function of chemical substances in sexual behaviour. The research question of this investigation leads to a clear inquiry into the phenomenon that was examined and analysed and yielded useful new information. This qualitative research project is characterised by its inductive features, openness to change and interest in human behaviour. The study is characterised by an interpretive nature as an interpretative investigation. An effort was made towards understanding the phenomenon through observation and exploration. Persons were invited to participate in the research and reported themselves to the researcher, the process of self-selection sampling was utilised. In drawing a sample from the population of patients at a treatment centre an interactive approach to the process was followed by conducting semi-structured and in-depth interviews as a method of data collection. Data analysis and processing was executed according to the eight steps for qualitative data analysis as proposed by Tesch (in Creswell, 2009). Data verification for the assessment of the trustworthiness of the research findings was achieved by utilizing Guba’s model as espoused in Krefting (1991). Informed consent, confidentiality and management of information were some of the ethical considerations adhered to in the planning and execution of this research project. The nature of this study is marked by the person-centred approach in combination with the qualitative methodology and philosophy. The researcher found the two to be appropriate when a sensitive and private topic was to be explored. Participants were able to evaluate the meanings that were attached to their experiences within a psychologically sound environment. Themes became evident through the data analysis process. These themes were contrasted against a body of existing theory. The wholeness of human beings came to the fore and literature from a bio-neurological and humanistic perspective was found to be applicable. The social sciences and, in particular, social workers are concerned with the wellbeing of persons, their relevant systems and context. These dimensions of human beings were addressed by this study and aimed to contribute to further development in the science of psychotherapy and the understanding of the person within the phenomenon being studied. Therapists should be willing and demonstrate a sensitive ability to understand the client’s experiences from the person’s own point of view (Rogers, 1950: 444). In a relationship that is constructed for the purpose the aim should be mainly to understand the whole person (Rogers, 1952: 343). Therapists should develop an ability to see completely through the client’s eyes and adopt the person’s frame of reference. This is the basis for implementing “client-centred” therapy (Rogers 1950: 444). A key role of social work practice is facilitating the empowerment of persons, and their personal and interpersonal strengths according to their own self-determination (Zastrow, 2012:39); the researcher recommends a holistic full understanding of the person in his/her wholeness (Rogers, 1987: 486). / Exploring the functions of chemical substances in individuals' sexual behavior / Interviews in English and Afrikaans / Department of Social Work / M.A. (Social Work)

Social workers in private practice / Social work in South Africa appears to have low status and a negative ”welfare” image. The general public seems to regard social workers and the profession with disdain and for the most part is ignorant of what social workers do apart from handing out grants and removing children from their families. This exploratory research focuses on social workers in private practice - how they view their professional selves, the factors that contribute to the development of their professional selves and the factors that hinder or facilitate this development. The impact of public opinion on social workers in private practice is explored and possible solutions to problems experienced by these private practitioners are sought. Modern and postmodern paradigms are summarised as a background to the Rogerian theory, constructivist philosophy and social constructionist theory that underlie this research. The researcher explores the perceptions of each respondent who shares his/her particular reality with the researcher through the meanings he/she attributes to his/her experiences. / Social work / M.A (Social Science (Mental Health))

The purpose of this study is to describe trauma in the lives of social work students studying at Unisa South Africa. It explores how they describe trauma, what traumatic experiences they have gone through, the effect these experiences had on them, what they did to cope and how these experiences impacted their work as aspiring social workers. A case study was conducted with fourth-level students at Unisa South Africa. The theoretical framework adopted for the research was the person-centred approach. The research involved both focus group interviews and a survey. Both quantitative and qualitative data were generated. Descriptive statistics were used to create a profile of the participants. Qualitative data were analysed using a hermeneutic method. The perceptions of the participants were re-told by the researcher in the form of specific themes that emerged from the data. These themes were discussed and compared with the literature. Implications for the students’ work as social workers were discussed. The study accessed unique aspects of trauma that are grounded in the South African context. The description of trauma that emerged from the research created a new definition of the meaning of trauma. The research discusses the effects of trauma on the emerging professional self of the social work student. Recommendations are made that could be valuable to social work educators wishing to further the personal and professional growth of social work students. The research is also of value to those working with traumatised people. / Social Work / D .Litt. et Phil. (Social Work)

The researcher wanted to explore the experiences of children who removal by a social worker either to an institution or to foster homes. The researcher wanted to find out if the behaviour of absconding could be explained by using systems theory, contructivism, cybernetics and person- centered theory. The researcher hypothesized that children abscond from alternative care as a means of communicating with the social worker involved as well as any other person significant in their lives. The study wanted to explore how these children perceived their involvement in the decision making process of their removal. The researcher only interviewed children who had absconded from the alternative care placements. The study found that all the children interviewed perceived that they were not involved in any way in the process of removal. They all saw their removal as a form of punishment for something they did wrong, but they did not get an opportunity to discuss with their parents or significant others. They also perceived their absconding as an effort to rectify the situation. A lot of anger and suspicion towards social workers was encountered during the study. In terms of the theories mentioned above, these perceptions are the children’s own reality, which might differ from the realities as created or perceived by social workers. It is hypothesized that social workers who use the Child Care Act 74/83 and its regulations in the removal of children, do it to protect the children from risky situations as their job responsibility requires. This study indicates that the children did not experience removal as protection. Instead of children feeling protected in the alternative care, they felt blamed, judged and unhappy about their removal and excluded from the process. The researcher made a few suggestions that could be considered when social workers removing children to alternative care. It is recommended that social workers involve the children and their parents or significant others in the entire process of deciding the future of any children in their (parents’) care. However, if removal is deemed necessary, just telling or informing children that they will be removed for their own safety is not enough. Children might not perceive the situation as dangerous. Instead, they might see the social worker as posing a danger to them and their families and thus try to shut the social worker and what s/he says out of their minds. Findings safe ways to involve children and families in the decisions about their future may require of social workers to revive their academically acquired knowledge in this respect. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Sciences (Mental Health))

The interview is considered to be a critical technique in the therapeutic process. The effective (and by implication, the ineffective) use thereof determines to a great extent the outcome of the therapeutic process. Training in therapeutic interviewing forms an integral part of the training of counsellors and therapists. This study was prompted by BEd (Specialisation in Guidance and Counselling) students' need for a structured and systematic approach to training in therapeutic interviewing skills. A literature study of the phenomenon therapeutic interviewing revealed firstly that the skills needed for effective therapeutic interviewing can be identified and operationally defined and secondly that these skills can be systematically trained. Having a repertoire of interviewing skills is however not a guarantee that therapy or counselling will have a positive outcome. The therapist must be able to create a therapeutic relationship with the client and in this regard the therapist's personality and attitudes, including empathy, warmth, respect, genuineness and unconditional positive regard for the client, are of major importance in helping to create an atmosphere wherein the client can feel free to discuss his problems and innermost feelings and thoughts. In the design of a model to train therapeutic interviewing, consideration must be given to both content and procedure. Not only were interviewing skills addressed in this model, but also skills to communicate empathy, warmth, respect, genuineness and unconditional positive regard. For the purposes of this study, the therapeutic interview was divided into six stages. Skills used in each stage were identified, defined and discussed. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the training model. Subjects were trained in accordance with the proposed training procedure. In order to evaluate the subjects' progress and thus also the effectiveness of the training procedure, each subject's pre- and post-training interviews were compared. An evaluation scale was designed for this purpose. The results of the pilot study indicated an improvement in the subjects' interviewing skills. It is hoped that this study will pave the way for innovation in the training of counsellors and therapists in therapeutic interviewing. / Die onderhoud word as 'n kritieke tegniek in die terapeutiese proses beskou. Die effektiewe (en by implikasie, die oneffektiewe) gebruik daarvan bepaal tot 'n groot mate die uitkoms van die terapeutiese proses. Opleiding in terapeutiese onderhoudvoering vorm 'n integrale deel van die opleiding van terapeute en voorligters. BEd (Spesialisering in Skoolvoorligting)studente het 'n bepaalde behoefte aan 'n gestruktureerde en sistematiese benadering tot die opleiding van terapeutiese onderhoudvoeringsvaardighede uitgespreek. 'n Literatuurstudie oor die fenomeen terapeutiese ondemoud het eerstens aan die lig gebring dat vaardighede onderliggend aan die terapeutiese onderhoud geidentifiseer en operasioneel gedefinieer kan word en tweedens dat hierdie vaardighede sistematies aangeleer kan word. 'n Repertoire van onderhoudvoeringsvaardighede is egter nie 'n waarborg dat terapie 'n positiewe uitkoms sal he nie. Die terapeut moet 'n terapeutiese verhouding met die klient kan stig en in hierdie opsig is die terapeut se persoonlikheid en sy houding van empatie, warmte, respek, egtheid en onvoorwaardelike agting van kritieke belang in die skep van 'n atmosfeer, waarbinne die klient vry kan voel om sy probleme, diepste gevoelens en gedagtes te kan bespreek. In die ontwerp van 'n model vir opleiding in terapeutiese onderhoudvoeringsvaardighede moet aandag aan beide inhoud en opleidingsprosedure geskenk word. In hierdie model word nie net die vaardighede vir terapeutiese onderhoudvoering aangespreek nie, maar ook vaardighede om empatie, warmte, respek, egtheid en onvoorwaardelike positiewe agting aan die klient te kommunikeer. Vir die doeleindes van hierdie studie is die terapeutiese onderhoud in ses fases verdeel. Vaardighede wat in elke fase gebruik word, is gerdentifiseer, gedefinieer en bespreek. 'n Loodsondersoek is ondemeem om die effektiwiteit van die opleidingsmodel te evalueer. Proefpersone is aan die hand van die voorgestelde opleidingsprosedure opgelei. Ten einde die proefpersone se vordering en so ook die effektiwitieit van die model te evalueer, is elke proefpersoon se voor- en naopleiding onderhoude vergelyk. 'n Evalueringsskaal is vir hierdie doel ontwerp. Die resultate van die loodsondersoek het getoon dat die proefpersone se onderhoudvoeringsvaardighede verbeter het. Die hoop word uitgespreek dat hierdie studie die weg sal baan vir vernuwing in die opleiding van voorligters en terapeute in terapeutiese onderhoudvoering. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

Chemical substance abuse and dependence constitute an increasing international and national phenomenon. Individuals, groups and communities are at risk of the mental, biological, legal and environmental implications associated with substance dependence. Human sexual behaviour is no new phenomenon to be studied. Human beings experience sexual behaviour and gratification as important. Sexual behaviour is not vital for the survival of the individual but vital for survival of the species. Sexual behaviour in combination with chemical substance abuse might pose further dangers to a person or group. Sexual behaviour where persons engage in sexual actions when using or abusing chemical substances could construct certain positive functions for persons. Qualitative researchers are interested in discovering the meaning persons attach to experiences. In understanding the dynamics of the phenomenon, possible contributions to the human sciences could be made. Chemical substance abuse and dependency affect the individual, his/her family systems and the community. Depressants and stimulants change the chemical functioning of the human brain and the mental health of the user. Despite the harm caused to the dependent person, abuse of the chemical substance is continued. The substance has various functions that the biological and psychological person becomes dependent on. Sexual behaviour is inherent in human nature, but not chemical substance abuse. It is expected by the researcher that there might be certain function(s) served by chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons. A literature study on the topic on the function of chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons yielded unsatisfactory results. Little research was found with regard to the function of chemical substances in relation to people’s sexual behaviour. In response to this need the researcher embarked on a qualitative research journey to explore the function of the chemical substances within the context of an individual’s sexual behaviour and practices. Chemical substances have different functions and affect the sexual behaviour, functioning and experiences of the users of such substances. Six objectives were set with the aim of developing an in-depth understanding of the function of chemical substances in sexual behaviour. The research question of this investigation leads to a clear inquiry into the phenomenon that was examined and analysed and yielded useful new information. This qualitative research project is characterised by its inductive features, openness to change and interest in human behaviour. The study is characterised by an interpretive nature as an interpretative investigation. An effort was made towards understanding the phenomenon through observation and exploration. Persons were invited to participate in the research and reported themselves to the researcher, the process of self-selection sampling was utilised. In drawing a sample from the population of patients at a treatment centre an interactive approach to the process was followed by conducting semi-structured and in-depth interviews as a method of data collection. Data analysis and processing was executed according to the eight steps for qualitative data analysis as proposed by Tesch (in Creswell, 2009). Data verification for the assessment of the trustworthiness of the research findings was achieved by utilizing Guba’s model as espoused in Krefting (1991). Informed consent, confidentiality and management of information were some of the ethical considerations adhered to in the planning and execution of this research project. The nature of this study is marked by the person-centred approach in combination with the qualitative methodology and philosophy. The researcher found the two to be appropriate when a sensitive and private topic was to be explored. Participants were able to evaluate the meanings that were attached to their experiences within a psychologically sound environment. Themes became evident through the data analysis process. These themes were contrasted against a body of existing theory. The wholeness of human beings came to the fore and literature from a bio-neurological and humanistic perspective was found to be applicable. The social sciences and, in particular, social workers are concerned with the wellbeing of persons, their relevant systems and context. These dimensions of human beings were addressed by this study and aimed to contribute to further development in the science of psychotherapy and the understanding of the person within the phenomenon being studied. Therapists should be willing and demonstrate a sensitive ability to understand the client’s experiences from the person’s own point of view (Rogers, 1950: 444). In a relationship that is constructed for the purpose the aim should be mainly to understand the whole person (Rogers, 1952: 343). Therapists should develop an ability to see completely through the client’s eyes and adopt the person’s frame of reference. This is the basis for implementing “client-centred” therapy (Rogers 1950: 444). A key role of social work practice is facilitating the empowerment of persons, and their personal and interpersonal strengths according to their own self-determination (Zastrow, 2012:39); the researcher recommends a holistic full understanding of the person in his/her wholeness (Rogers, 1987: 486). / Department of Social Work / M.A. (Social Work)

This autoethnography tells the story of my faith journey with a special focus on my years as a Catholic seminarian and the change towards embarking on a career as a clinical psychologist. Pertinent childhood experiences are also shared to contextualise my story. The narrative, “Wrestling Heart”, is the centre and the produced data of this autoethnography. As an “evocative” narrative, it independently seeks to fulfil many of the goals of an autoethnography, such as being therapeutic for both writer and readers, and imbuing culture with critical thinking. The sharing of the narrative is augmented with a thematic analysis of it and Carl Rogers’ Person-Centred Approach is mainly used to comprehend the gleaned themes. The movement towards a comprehension of my experience is consistent with the philosophical foundation of this study: phenomenology. It is envisaged that the utility of this study lies primarily in its interrogation of the relationship between religion and mental health, its in-depth depiction of an individual grappling with their faith in relation to mental health, and the way in which the writing of this autoethnography therapeutically fostered greater congruence for me the writer, as I prepare to work as a clinical psychologist. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

The Department of Social Work at UNISA places the emphasis on developmental social work and trains students according to the Person Centred Approach which emphasises the uniqueness of each client. The question thus arises if this Department is indeed working with their students in a person-centred way, and if students think the Department lives out a person-centred philosophy. Exploring the personal contexts of students would give the Department of Social Work the oppor-tunity to try and find a fit between the personal contexts of students and the national requirements of training. From a population of 114 fourth level students in Social Work at UNISA, a self-selected sample of 79% emerged. Focus is placed on the students' perceptions of following five areas: (1) the self, (2) family life and family of origin, (3) living and study conditions, (4) UNISA and social work training, (5) social work as future career. / Social Work / M.A. Social Science (Mental Health)

The Department of Social Work at UNISA places the emphasis on developmental social work and trains students according to the Person Centred Approach which emphasises the uniqueness of each client. The question thus arises if this Department is indeed working with their students in a person-centred way, and if students think the Department lives out a person-centred philosophy. Exploring the personal contexts of students would give the Department of Social Work the oppor-tunity to try and find a fit between the personal contexts of students and the national requirements of training. From a population of 114 fourth level students in Social Work at UNISA, a self-selected sample of 79% emerged. Focus is placed on the students' perceptions of following five areas: (1) the self, (2) family life and family of origin, (3) living and study conditions, (4) UNISA and social work training, (5) social work as future career. / Social Work / M.A. Social Science (Mental Health)