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A relational-phenomenological study of existential counselling psychologists' experience of and working with motivation in the inter-subjective space between them and their clients

This investigation explored the phenomenon of motivation in the inter-relational space between therapists and clients. Its aim was to give voice to a small group of existential therapists who were trained and practise counselling psychology in the UK. Literature review focused mainly on the theoretical conceptualisation of motivation and its therapeutic implications across different modalities. Using a Relational-Phenomenological Approach, the investigation looked at the dialogical and co-creative nature of motivation in therapy. Themes emerged were indicative of motivation existing as multiple differently motivated selves in both therapists and clients. Differently motivated selves are characterised by their inner- and inter- relationality and give rise to kaleidoscopic relational dynamics in the inter-subjective space. Relational features such as openness, ability to stand on the edge with clients and total acceptance of the is-ness of the moment seem to co-create fertile ground for motivational transformations. I also experienced the co-creational, dialogical and motivationally transformational nature of differently motivated selves throughout the research process, which points at the multi-directional nature of motivation. Awareness of motivation is multifaceted and differently motivated selves and is interactional and dialogical, whereby the therapist cannot remain neutral can be useful in Counselling psychology.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:683434
Date January 2015
CreatorsKarippai, Shibu
ContributorsSchlag, Anne ; Ackroyd, Judith
PublisherRegent's University London
Source SetsEthos UK
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation

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