Writing the 'self' into self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR) in CBT: learning from autoethnography. (2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chigwedere, Craig
• Is Part Of: Cognitive behaviour therapist. Volume 12(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019
• Subjects: cognitive behavioural psychotherapy (CBT), -- generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), -- self-practice/self-reflection, -- worry; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Behaviorism (Psychology) | -- Periodicals; 616.891425
• DOI: 10.1017/S1754470X19000217
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-470X

Abstract

Abstract: Self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR) allows cognitive behavioural therapists (CBT) to self-experience the techniques they use clinically. However, it is difficult to find published first-hand accounts of CBT therapists' SP/SR experiences. This may be because CBT research is primarily positivist and objective, while SP/SR is intrinsically subjective. Borrowing from the principles of autoethnography may offer a subjectivist qualitative methodology, allowing CBT therapists to write up their SP/SR experiences as rich, first-hand research material, potentially impacting theory and practice. This novel personal case study of SP/SR borrows from autoethnography, adapting it to analyse the self-practice of the CBT model of worry, in order to understand my own experience of worry as well as the model itself. Key learning aims: (1) To develop an approach to the research that is applicable to first-hand SP/SR material. (2) To demonstrate how therapists can continue SP/SR practice post-CBT training. (3) To illustrate how, with the aid of autoethnographic principles, SP/SR practice can influence not only the practitioner's personal and therapist-self, but also theory development.