Wiley-Blackwell Phenomenology for Therapists: Researching the Lived World

This book provides an accessible comprehensive exploration of phenomenological theory and research methods and is geared specifically to the needs of therapists and other health care professionals. An accessible exploration of an increasingly popular qualitative research methodology Explains phenomenological concepts and how they are applied to different stages of the research process and to topics relevant to therapy practice Provides practical examples throughout 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) Review This excellent text provides a lively and accessible read which is certain to encourage and inspire the increasing number of therapy practitioners who seek to undertake research of immediate relevance to their professional field. Finlay is passionate about the crucial role practitioners can play in shaping and enhancing their work through rigorous research. She makes clear how the knowledge and wisdom of therapists embedded in the real world can be harnessed, and indeed must be harnessed, if we are to create meaningful research capable of making a genuine impact on psychological healthcare provision. Phenomenology for Therapists is required reading for all therapist researchers who want to make a difference to therapeutic practice in the real world; I am certain it will become a classic in the field. —Simon du Plock , Professor of Psychology, Metanoia Institute and Middlesex University, UK Linda Finlay invites readers to engage with the world of phenomenology in lively, intellectually stimulating, and moving ways.  She is a trustworthy guide who provides a good conceptual map of the area. In addition, she provides a very practical sense of the territory when walking its major routes. Using many relevant examples that therapists will recognise, this book demonstrates how a phenomenological approach to research is consistent with core therapy values and practices.  —Les Todres, Professor of Qualitative Research, Bournemouth University, UK Finlay does a superb job of demonstrating how phenomenological research and therapeutic practice complement each other. She provides powerful examples of qualitative research that deepen our understanding of human existence and inform clinical practice. Psychotherapists who read her book are likely to be enticed by the possibility of doing research, no longer viewing it as a practice better left to academics. —Steen Halling, Professor of Psychology, Seattle University, USA From the Inside Flap Phenomenology has become increasingly popular with therapists seeking to build on the humanistic values that often underpin their work. This book provides an accessible exploration of phenomenology in practice and is geared explicitly to the needs of therapists. It is a practical guide that offers an overview of the theory and guidance on how to do research. Philosophical phenomenological concepts and methods are explained with an emphasis on how they can be applied at different stages of the research process and to topics relevant to therapy practice. With practical ex