| Abstract: | Objective: To explore the experiences of therapists within their therapeutic work with drug-using clients, specifically what they found helpful and hindering.Design: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (a qualitative methodology) was used.Method: Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinical psychologists who worked with substance-using clients.Results: Five complex and interconnecting themes emerged from the analysis: participants spoke of the need to ‘find hope’ in their work with clients. This was helped by understanding the ‘core meanings’ of substance misuse. Participants undertook significant ‘responsibilities’ with their clients and the process of assessing the risks involved in the work was linked to a sense of ‘fear’. ‘Tolerance’ of the risks and responsibilities within the work was necessary for participants to continue therapeutic work. Therapeutic work was inextricably linked to ‘keeping connected’ to clients through establishing and maintaining a strong therapeutic relationship.Conclusions: These themes may serve as the basis for further research. Links to the existing research literature, implications for clinical practice, and the potential for future research are discussed. |
