Description
Book SynopsisPhenomenology has become increasingly popular with therapists seeking to build on the humanistic values that often underpin their work. Phenomenology for Therapists provides an accessible exploration of phenomenology in practice and is geared to the needs of therapists.
Trade Review“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)
Table of ContentsAbout 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
