Fostering Self-Awareness in Novice Therapists Using Internal Family Systems Therapy

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Carl Mojta - , Department of Veterans Affairs (Author)
  • Mariana K. Falconier - , Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Author)
  • Angela J. Huebner - , Department of Paediatrics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Author)

Abstract

This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to understand: (a) whether and how the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model helps beginning therapists gain awareness of their internal processes and (b) whether and how such awareness influences their clinical work. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with seven beginning therapists and data were analyzed using thematic coding. Findings suggest that IFS helped therapists identify, understand, and manage their internal processes, which seemed to benefit the therapeutic relationship, identify therapists' personal agendas, model work with the internal system, and foster a better understanding of the client's internal system. Clinical training implications are discussed.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)67-78
Number of pages12
Journal The American journal of family therapy : AJFT
Volume42
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2014
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas