Training taboo - the lived experience of male trainee psychotherapists experiencing sexual attraction towards a client
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- Title
- Training taboo - the lived experience of male trainee psychotherapists experiencing sexual attraction towards a client
- Creator
- Flora Cameron
- Supervisor
- Dr Maria Luca.
- Date
- 2017
- Abstract
- This research is dedicated to exploring the lived experience of four male trainee psychotherapists encounters with sexual attraction, a unique demographic for this topic. Due to the phenomenological and hermeneutic aspirations of the project, IPA was chosen as the most appropriate methodological paradigm. The findings of the study point to a discrepancy between the theoretical understanding of the phenomenon of sexual attraction, and the handling of it in practice. In theory, there is an acknowledgement of its importance and prevalence within the therapeutic relationship, an understanding which is to be welcomed. Yet in practice, the approach of therapists has a tendency to veer towards fear and avoidance. Contrary to previous research with trainees, where sexual attraction and professional aptitude were conflicting concepts, there seems to be a novel desire to be perceived as competently handling sexual attraction rather than avoiding it altogether. This newfound bravado runs the risk of ignoring the deep complexities of the issue of sexual attraction and failing to engage properly with it. Thus, a self-assured feeling of competence may mask the very avoidance and fear it seeks to combat.
- Subject
- Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Extent
- 92 pages : Illustrations
- Format
- Publisher
- Regent's University London
- degree
- MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Language
- English
- Date Issued
- 2017
- Type
- Thesis & Dissertation
- Rights Holder
- Regent's University London & Flora Cameron
- Item sets
- Theses or Dissertation