Exploring the in‐session reflective capacity of clinical psychology trainees: An interpersonal process recall study. (6th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burgess, Sophie; Rhodes, Paul; Wilson, Val
• Is Part Of: Clinical psychologist. Volume 17:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 130
• Publication Date: 2013-05-06
• Subjects: Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1111/cp.12014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1328-4207

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="cp12014-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Reflection‐in‐action, or the capacity to "think on your feet" is recognised as a critical skill for clinical psychologists, but challenging for trainees who may cope poorly with ambiguity and be consumed by anxiety. This study aims to explore the in‐session reflective capacity of trainees and identify their training needs.</p> </sec> <sec id="cp12014-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Method</title> <p>Twenty seven episodes of therapy conducted by 10 trainees were collected using Interpersonal Process Recall. Data analysis was conducted according to the principles of grounded theory.</p> </sec> <sec id="cp12014-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Trainees became distressed when their planned interventions did not match with the complexity of the client or account for challenging interpersonal interactions. Trainees could acknowledge this distress and still engage in fleeting and rudimentary reflection, but many, lacking sufficient technical knowledge or confidence, retreated to the safety of non‐directive counselling.</p> </sec> <sec id="cp12014-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>These findings support the development of a systematic approach to teaching reflective practice in clinical training.</p> </sec> </abstract>