Counsellors' experiences of changing their practice: Learning the psychodynamic‐interpersonal model of therapy

Abstract

Seven counsellors were interviewed about their experiences of learning and applying a new approach to therapy: the psychodynamic‐interpersonal model. These interviews were analysed using grounded theory — a qualitative approach. Under the core category of ‘changing counselling practice: applying the PI model of therapy’, the material was organised into 10 major categories: difficult feelings; new awareness; therapeutic identity; identifying reasons for choosing how to work; experiencing difficulties in adherence; attributing causes of difficulties; ways through the difficulties; understanding how change in practice occurs; changing interventions; and specific other inputs. Examples from the interviews are used to cast light on the difficulties experienced by counsellors in the process of changing their practice.

Personal reflections of mental health nurses training to use Hobson's Conversational Model (psychodynamic‐interpersonal) of psychotherapy

“…However, there were also differences between the present group and the experiences described by Mackay et al . (2001).…”

“…There was an initial feeling of being ‘de‐skilled’ as some familiar ways of working were no longer allowed when using the model. This is similar to reports from other groups, already trained in other therapeutic modalities, who have been trained to use the Conversational Model (Mackay et al . 2001).…”

“…(2001). In contrast to the present group of nurses, all Mackay et al . 's (2001) counsellors reported feeling restricted or compelled in some ways by adhering to the model:…”

“…However, it does suggest that this group of nurses were unable to achieve adherence to the model. Mackay et al . (2001) interviewed seven counsellors, all with previous experience in other models of therapy, who completed Conversational Model training.…”

“…Feelings of compulsion were further categorised into: trying too hard to do the model; feeling a pressure to perform; and feeling less genuine as a therapist. Some participants reported that, at times, interventions were done for the sake of the model rather than being based solely on the needs of the client (Mackay et al . 2001, p. 34).…”