Therapist perspectives on their dreams about clients: A qualitative investigation |
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| Authors: | Patricia Spangler Clara E. Hill Carol Mettus Ashley Huajing Guo Linda Heymsfield |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychology , University of Maryland , College Park, MDpspangler@psyc.umd.edu;3. Department of Psychology , University of Maryland , College Park, MD;4. School of Social Work , University of Maryland at Baltimore , Baltimore, MD, USA |
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| Abstract: | Abstract The authors interviewed eight experienced therapists regarding their dreams about clients and analyzed the transcribed interview data using consensual qualitative research. Results indicated that dreams typically were about difficulties with clients, intense personal concerns, and negative interpersonal interactions. Therapists used multiple methods to work with the dreams and made gains in insight focusing on countertransference or overidentification and the need to make fundamental changes in the therapeutic relationship or in the therapist's life. On the basis of the insight, therapists made changes in the treatment of the dreamed-about clients and in their personal lives. Implications for practice and research are discussed. |
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| Keywords: | dream work qualitative research methods alliance culture and psychotherapy |
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