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Crossing the Boundaries of Privacy in Accidental Encounters: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Therapists' Experiences
Author(s) -
Pietkiewicz Igor J.,
Włodarczyk Monika
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
clinical psychology and psychotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.315
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1099-0879
pISSN - 1063-3995
DOI - 10.1002/cpp.1930
Subject(s) - interpretative phenomenological analysis , psychology , accidental , psychodynamics , situational ethics , distress , negotiation , anticipation (artificial intelligence) , context (archaeology) , qualitative research , psychotherapist , social psychology , applied psychology , sociology , social science , paleontology , physics , acoustics , biology , artificial intelligence , computer science
This qualitative study explores psychodynamic therapists' experiences associated with unexpected encounters with their patients outside the clinical setting. Information was collected using a semi‐structured interview protocol from 10 experienced practitioners in Poland and examined according to the interpretative phenomenological analysis principles. Four overarching themes are discussed in the paper. Results show that accidental encounters often challenged practitioners' privacy, led to involuntary self‐disclosure (causing discomfort and distress) and required re‐negotiating roles and boundaries in the new context. Various coping strategies were also identified and analysed, including withdrawal, anticipation and avoidance, as well as using community support. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for mental health professionals and psychotherapy training. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message All people manage their boundaries of privacy. Therapists should thoroughly consider circumstances, and personal or situational risk factors, which lead to crossing or violating these boundaries. They need to reflect upon the social and personal limitations associated with their occupation and the price they have to pay for the high status role.