Maria Luca

A qualitative study of psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapists’ conceptualisations of medically unexplained symptoms in their clients

Aim: This study explored therapists’ conceptualisations of their psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapies with clients with medically unexplained symptoms. Method: 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with experienced psychotherapists, recruited from two National Health Service departments. Interview transcripts were analysed using grounded theory. Findings: Conceptualisations fell into two categories: (1) informal, bottom-up practice driven; (2) formal, top-down theory driven. In the former, therapists from both modalities shared experiential conceptualisations. In the latter, they shared some conceptualisations while retaining others from their theoretical training. Discussion: Therapists conceptualise using inherited theoretical concepts from their respective professional trainings, by developing experiential concepts of their own, and by borrowing and integrating theoretical concepts from other theoretical orientations.

How Czech supervisors engage in the supervisory process on sexual attraction and strategies used to supervise sexual attraction in the work of supervisees

Abstract Our study investigated how Czech supervisors understand, engage with and supervise therapists in handling sexual attraction. Qualitative interviews were carried out with 13 volunteers in the Czech Republic. Transcripts were analysed using constructivist grounded theory (GT). Findings show that in reflecting on their experience as supervisors, participants stepped into their experience as therapists first. Data shows various factors mediating and influencing the supervision process: the historical and political impact of sexual tabooism and sexual attraction in training and practice; supervisors’ personal experience of sexual attraction provoked shame; gender and trust impact on which supervisor to choose; male and female differences in supervisory needs; and a clear contract facilitates disclosure of sexual attraction.

Therapeutic activities and psychological interventions by cognitive behavioural and psychodynamic therapists working with medically unexplained symptoms: A qualitative study

Abstract Aim: To explore therapeutic activities and psychological interventions used by experienced cognitive behavioural and psychodynamic therapists to treat clients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). Method: Twelve in-depth, semi-structured, qualitative interviews with psychotherapists, recruited from two British National Health Service (NHS) Departments were conducted. Interview transcripts were analysed using grounded theory. Findings: Therapists from two modalities share the following therapeutic activities and psychological interventions in their work with MUS clients: working together with clients, sensitive, empathic responding and building trust, being flexible with techniques, keeping an open mind and multi-disciplinary cooperation. They also use modality specific interventions discussed in this paper. Even though participants experienced difficulties in forming alliances with MUS clients early on in their work, they expressed the importance of nurturing hope, empowering and engaging cl...