Background: Relational depth (RD) is gaining empirical attention as a well-articulated phenomenon within therapeutic relationship literature. Despite this, with the exception of a small number of client-focused studies, research of this issue is relatively sparse and predominantly reflects upon therapeutic work from a person-centred orientation. Aims and Methods: The aim of this research was to explore clients’ experiences of RD within individual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Eight clients, who had self-identified at least one helpful relational moment with their therapist, were interviewed about their experience. The interviews were transcribed and analysed employing Grounded Theory methods. Findings and Discussion: Four core categories emerged from the analysis. These were: (1) the experience of the therapist, (2) the experience of self, (3) the experience of the therapy relationship, and (4) the perceived impact/effects of the moment of RD. Each core category and the corresponding subordinate codes are described by illustrative quotes from the participants. Following this, each finding is discussed in relation to RD research and beyond. Conclusions: This research project ultimately demonstrates that clients who have worked with a cognitive behavioural therapist can and do experience RD during their individual therapy. The like-by-like comparison of the findings with previous RD research indicated a high degree of convergence. Nevertheless, when differences are present, clients’ RD experience is influenced and to some extent contained by dissimilarity in experience between therapist and non-therapist clients. This is also manifested through theoretical differences of the given therapeutic approach. No negative impact or effect was described by the clients as a result of their experience of a moment of RD. The implications of the findings are highlighted and future research is suggested.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:632306 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Frzina, Jasmina |
| Contributors | Hanley, Terry; Lendrum, Ann |
| Publisher | University of Manchester |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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