Phenomenology for Therapists (eBook)

Linda Finlay is a freelance Consultant offering training and mentorship on how to apply qualitative research in health care. In addition to her psychotherapy practice, she also teaches psychology and writes with the Open University. Her books include Groupwork in Occupational Therapy (1993), The Practice of Psychosocial Occupational Therapy (3rd edition, 2004), Qualitative Research for Health Professionals: Challenging Choices (ed. with C. Ballinger, Wiley Publishers, 2006), and Relational-Centred Research for Psychotherapists (with K. Evans, Wiley-Blackwell, 2009).

About the Author vii

Preface ix

Part I The Phenomenological Project: Concepts, Theory and
Philosophy 1

Introduction to Part I 3

1 Phenomenology: Bridging the Practice-Research Divide?
5

2 The Phenomenological Project 15

3 The Body in Lived Experience 29

4 Philosophical Foundations 43

5 The 'Phenomenological Attitude' 73

Part II Phenomenological Research Approaches 85

Introduction to Part II 87

6 Descriptive Empirical Phenomenology 93

7 Hermeneutic Phenomenology 109

8 Lifeworld Approaches 125

9 Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis 139

10 First-Person Approaches 149

11 Reflexive-Relational Approaches 159

Part III PhenomenologicalMethods in Practice 177

Introduction to Part III 179

12 Planning the Research 181

13 Gathering Data 197

14 Relational Ethics 217

15 The Process of Analysing Data 227

16 Producing the Research 247

17 Evaluating Research 261

Appendix 273

References 275

Index 295

"As a dominantly clinical practitioner who nonetheless
retains an active interest in research, and particularly
phenomenological research, I found this book both useful and
informative." (The Indo-Pacific Journal of
Phenomenology, 1 May 2013)

"Phenomenology - when it is done well
-discloses, transforms and inspires. That is why it excites
me, why I am passionate about it . . . Fortunately, this does
not need to stand in the way of readers making use of this
otherwise excellent book in their own way and for their own
practice-relevant research needs." (Counselling
Psychology Review, 2 June 2012)
"The many current research examples provide a useful and
easy-to-read description of what is possible in phenomenological
research. This book is a wonderful addition to qualitative
methodology texts and I would recommend it as a standard text for
anyone considering counselling/ psychotherapy research." (Therapy
Today, 1 December 2011)

This excellent text provides a lively and accessible read which is
certain to encourage and inspire the increasing number of therapy
practitioners who seek to undertake research of immediate relevance
to their professional field. Finlay is passionate about the crucial
role practitioners can play in shaping and enhancing their work
through rigorous research. She makes clear how the knowledge and
wisdom of therapists embedded in the real world can be harnessed,
and indeed must be harnessed, if we are to create meaningful
research capable of making a genuine impact on psychological
healthcare provision. Phenomenology for Therapists is
required reading for all therapist researchers who want to make a
difference to therapeutic practice in the real world; I am certain
it will become a classic in the field.

--Simon du Plock, Professor of Psychology,
Metanoia Institute and Middlesex University, UK

Linda Finlay invites readers to engage with the world of
phenomenology in lively, intellectually stimulating, and moving
ways. She is a trustworthy guide who provides a good
conceptual map of the area. In addition, she provides a very
practical sense of the territory when walking its major routes.
Using many relevant examples that therapists will recognise, this
book demonstrates how a phenomenological approach to research is
consistent with core therapy values and practices.

--Les Todres, Professor of Qualitative
Research, Bournemouth University, UK

Finlay does a superb job of demonstrating how phenomenological
research and therapeutic practice complement each other. She
provides powerful examples of qualitative research that deepen our
understanding of human existence and inform clinical practice.
Psychotherapists who read her book are likely to be enticed by the
possibility of doing research, no longer viewing it as a practice
better left to academics.

--Steen Halling, Professor of Psychology,
Seattle University, USA