The impact of expanding the self on the ability to work at relational depth

Abstract

Working at relational depth is considered to be one of the pillars of an effective intervention within person-centred approach. So far, the literature has been mainly focused on the description of the phenomenon. However, there has been little evidence explaining how the therapists can enhance their ability to work at depth. This paper seeks to add to a growing body of literature on the factors that can contribute to the development of the therapist’s ability to work at relational depth.The case study is based on a systematic analysis of the therapy sessions’ recordings, the client and supervision notes, and the researcher’s reflective diary. The analysis was aimed to track down the development process of relational depth. This was achieved by identifying critical incidents from the therapy sessions and matching these with the incidents from the therapist’s personal therapy and supervision.The findings from this case study suggest that the therapist’s ability to work at relational depth can be developed through the expansion of the therapist’s self. The more parts of the self the therapist is able to employ during a therapeutic encounter, the greater the potential they have of being able to work at relational depth with their clients.The results point to the crucial role of the therapist’s growing self-awareness (expansion of self) and self-acceptance in the development of their ability to work at relational depth. The theory of configurations of self and accurate symbolisation is used to discuss these findings.