Journal article
Therapists’ experiences of spontaneous mental imagery in therapy
Clinical psychologist (Australian Psychological Society), Vol.23(3), pp.225-236
11/2019
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Source: InCites
Abstract
Background
Some psychodynamic and integrative therapists have written about their experiences of mental imagery (MI), or imagery that arises spontaneously while working therapeutically. However, there have been no empirical investigations of therapists’ imagery experiences. This mixed methods study was exploratory and aimed to begin to address this gap.
Methods
Forty‐three therapists, mostly psychologists, participated in an online study that collected both quantitative and qualitative data related to experiences of spontaneous mental imagery (SMI) in therapy. They provided written reports and reflections on their personal experiences and completed a series of Likert‐type scales in regard to conceptualisations of SMI.
Results
The majority rated SMI as helpful and perceived it as clinically meaningful although they reported little or no training in this area. Symbolic or metaphoric SMI was viewed as providing insight into clients’ core issues; as linked to therapist emotion and empathy; and reflective of the therapeutic relationship and countertransference. Some SMI was also experienced as difficult to understand and some was disturbing for therapists especially when the imagery related to clients’ trauma experiences.
Conclusions
Therapists’ SMI is an important new area of research. Initial findings suggest that while many therapists place considerable value on their SMI, there is little research or training available in this area.
Details
- Title
- Therapists’ experiences of spontaneous mental imagery in therapy
- Creators
- Claire Cartwright - University of AucklandSue Cowie - University of AucklandLynda‐Maree Bavin - University of AucklandJames Bennett-Levy - University of Sydney
- Publication Details
- Clinical psychologist (Australian Psychological Society), Vol.23(3), pp.225-236
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd
- Number of pages
- 12
- Identifiers
- 991013173910802368
- Copyright
- © 2019 The Australian Psychological Society.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article