How do therapists make sense of their reactions towards clients: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

This study attempts to contribute to our understanding of therapists‟ personal reactions (cognitive, affective, sensory or behavioural) towards their clients by adopting an in depth qualitative analysis. This study consists of semi structured interviews with six therapists who work mainly from a psychodynamic orientation. The transcribed interviews were analysed according to the principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three analytic themes were derived from the analysis: (1) self as a “measuring instrument”, (2) managing reactions, and (3) therapist self care. The findings highlight the different ways that therapists understand and manage their reactions. The analysis of the interviews also reveals support for the theoretical trend in psychodynamic approaches towards a relational/intersubjective understanding of the therapeutic relationship. It is argued that therapists are embedded within the client‟s relational pattern, and furthermore, this is inevitable and to be welcomed.