Dissertation (MHSc--Health Science) -- AUT University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print (vi, 49 leaves ; 30 cm.) in North Shore Campus Theses Collection (T 616.8914 HAR)

Thesis (Psy. D.)--Indiana University of Pennsylvania. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (MHSc--Health Science) -- Auckland University of Technology, 2004. / Appendices not included in e-thesis. Also held in print (96 leaves, col. ill., 30 cm.) in Akoranga Theses Collection (T 616.891656 ALE)

Thesis--University of Florida. / Description based on print version record. Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-82).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI Company.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Florida, 1981. / Description based on print version record. Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 63-67).

Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2005. Graduate Programme in Psychology. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-84). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url%5Fver=Z39.88-2004&res%5Fdat=xri:pqdiss &rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR11846

Shame is an emotion that features widely in a range of mental health difficulties. Feelings of shame are frequently elicited in the therapeutic encounter. Undetected shame may cause ruptures in the therapeutic relationship and premature termination of therapy. Despite this, the literature review suggests shame in psychotherapy has been largely under-researched. This study explores how Maltese therapists understand and manage feelings of shame evoked in the therapeutic encounter. The literature review discusses the major theories and contentions regarding shame in psychotherapy and traces the transition from viewing shame as an intrapsychic phenomenon to its effect on relationships and its presence in the wider social context. A qualitative research approach was used to explore the experience of Maltese psychotherapists. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten participants whose years of experience ranged between six and 28. The interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four super-ordinate themes emerged: The Therapist’s World of Shame, Be-holding Patients’ Shame; A Shared Experience, and The Island of Shame. Participants portrayed themselves as highly self-judgmental and shame-prone individuals, and described their cultural context as “a breeding ground for shame”. This research illustrates the benefit of therapists’ understanding their own and their patients’ shame signals and triggers during therapy. It broadens understanding of how cultural dynamics serve to augment feelings of shame, which can lead to the loss of a psychotherapist’s sense of authenticity. This study also strengthens the evidence base regarding training and supervisory needs of trainee therapists.

The purpose of this case study is to explore the issue of contempt in the therapeutic relationship. The aims are twofold; namely, to illustrate to what extent the case studied throws light on existing theories on contempt in psychotherapy, and to enquire about which stance adopted by the therapist is most appropriate in the therapeutic interaction with a contemptuous client. It investigates the validity of using the case study method in examining both the content and the process of this particular course of psychotherapy. Literature on contempt in psychotherapy is reviewed, as well as the foundation-stone on which it rests, namely, the Kleinian approach to envy . The concepts of the superego and false self are also drawn upon in understanding this particular client's dynamics. The client's therapy is then presented and explored, in order to gain insight into how a psychotherapist's understanding of the contemptuous client can clarify the process of therapy. It highlights the limitations and potentialities that exist in working in this sphere of resistance, and raises questions relevant to therapists faced with these clients. The case study shows how theory in this area is helpful in understanding the contemptuous client, and that the ability of the therapist to endure and survive the contempt of the client is a crucial factor in working with the contemptuous individual.

M.A. / In this study the author has conversations with various therapists about their experiences of having a client commit suicide. The focus of this study is therefore on the personal and professional experiences of the therapist. The common themes which emerged from the various narratives were analysed against the backdrop of historical patterns of suicide. The personal experience of the researcher is also included and compared with the narratives of the participants of this research in an attempt at uncovering a shared narrative.