Non-duality and psychotherapeutic practice: a phenomenological study of psychotherapist experiences of non-duality and implications for psychotherapeutic practice.

Abstract

The thesis in part describes a research journey of a psychotherapy practitioner engaging in research development. It details, narrates and values the synchronistic events that enabled the ‘story’ to emerge. The central enquiry draws on embodied phenomenological research methods and poetic experiencing to explore the experiences of psychotherapists who have an understanding of nonduality and the perceived impact of this on their psychotherapeutic work. Nondual experiencing is also studied following a synchronistic research visit to Pakistan. Here, embodied spirituality is explored, using video and the concept of ‘Therao’ is studied and utilised as an aspect of skilful practice. These are drawn together and compiled as a summary of skilful means in psychotherapeutic practice. Additionally, as a Doctorate in Professional Practice two studies are presented as part of the practice development component. Both used creative video and performance as part of research presentation. The first, a project based on the Mandala with people living with HIV. The second ‘Beyond Statistics’ is an enquiry into the lifeworld experiences of gay men living with the co-infection of HIV and HCV. The thesis strongly articulates the significance of practice based research as a basis for humanising practice and the development of tacit and pathic knowledge. It identifies 10 key qualities present in practitioners who have a spiritual understanding of nonduality and the positive impact of these on depth connection with client work. The thesis also acknowledges, in line with current developments, the importance of including the cultivation of these depth relational qualities within a psychotherapy training curriculum.