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Relational conversation: Linking head and heart as a means to transformation
Author(s) -
Macaskie Jane
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
counselling and psychotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.38
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1746-1405
pISSN - 1473-3145
DOI - 10.1002/capr.12119
Subject(s) - dialogical self , conversation , feeling , psychology , intersubjectivity , transformational leadership , interpersonal communication , mentalization , reflection (computer programming) , epistemology , psychotherapist , social psychology , communication , computer science , philosophy , programming language
Abstract Aims A study of therapists’ experiences of transformation generated conversational moments typical of the experiences being studied. This paper outlines dialogical moves within research conversations and suggests that these contribute to linking thinking and feeling, head and heart, within an intersubjective matrix, which may be therapeutic. Method Video recordings of research conversations were reviewed by researcher and co‐researchers using an adaptation of Interpersonal Process Recall, and key moments were analysed dialogically. Findings Following Stern's ( The Present Moment in Psychotherapy and Everyday Life . 2004. New York: W.W. Norton) concept of moments of meeting, additional moments of not‐meeting, reflective moments of meeting and shared interest focus were identified, all functioning as building blocks of intersubjective connection and integration. Discussion Reflective moments of meeting in particular appear to be central to integrating thinking and feeling. Transformational opportunities appear to arise from such integration, while their absence seems to arise from a failure to integrate. Implications for practice A therapeutic model is presented focusing on the role of reflection within the intersubjective experiencing of therapist and client. Implications for reflective practice are suggested. Conclusions Attention to dialogical moves demonstrates the potential of research conversations to facilitate transformation for co‐researchers via the integration of thinking and feeling in reflection. Further research is suggested to track similar processes in therapy.