What is the experience of using the therapeutic space to reflect on one's life story in the light of gaining an understanding of shame? A heuristic inquiry
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- Title
- What is the experience of using the therapeutic space to reflect on one's life story in the light of gaining an understanding of shame? A heuristic inquiry
- Creator
- Karolina Ingegerd Christopher
- Supervisor
- Dr. Mo Mandic
- Date
- 2017
- Abstract
- The current study is a heuristic inquiry into shame and life story in the therapeutic space. Shame is a multi-layered phenomenon often associated with feelings of being defective or flawed. As such, shame may play a part in shaping the life story of an individual. The process of meaning-making is an important factor in the development of a coherent narrative, aspects of which one may seek to revise upon gaining an awareness of shame. The therapeutic space offers a unique environment for exploring these issues. Contemporary shame theory draws on a diversity of psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, and phenomenological ideas. As a therapist, having a good understanding of shame is crucial for safe and efficient clinical practice. This includes addressing ones own shame related material. The outcomes of this study illuminated the phenomenon of shame, which was opened up in therapy through experiences of bodily felt sense and rich visual images and metaphors, such as a faulty compass, a claw, and a scapegoat. Furthermore, memories of life story, especially early relational memories, were frequently evoked in this process. The therapeutic dialogue enhanced and extended the reflexive process, which facilitated an in-depth exploration of all phenomena. The overall heuristic exploration led to a creative synthesis expressed in a poem named I Am Your Body, which was inspired by the intuitive insights gained from the research. Implications for psychotherapeutic practice are discussed.
- Subject
- Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Format
- Publisher
- Regent's University London
- degree
- MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Language
- English
- Date Issued
- 2017
- Type
- Thesis & Dissertation
- Rights Holder
- Regent's University London & Karolina Ingegerd Christopher
- Item sets
- Theses or Dissertation